Randy Veteto

Randy A Veteto, 57 Randy entered eternal life on July 11, after a 10-month battle with cancer. Originally from Monticello, IL, Randy and family moved around for many years before settling in Lakeland, FL in 1999. Known as ""Pops"" to his sons and grandchildren and ""Ran"" to his wife, Randy deeply treasured his family. He found his forever & always love in his hometown, and as a child chased her around the playground yelling ""I""m gonna marry you!"" And he did. 35 years he journeyed alongside her as they raised two beloved sons. He instilled in his sons a love of cars and motorcycles and taught them many valuable lessons: always carry a pocket knife; blood is thicker than water; and trust in the Lord always (to name a few). Once his family grew, he took great joy in bragging about his daughters-in-law and his beautiful grandchildren, all who proudly share his last name. His love for his family never failed. Randy was a hard-working, mechanically-minded man. He worked at Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) for 28 years. In the latter part of his career, he served as a Plant Services Engineer, where he traveled extensively, making work buddies across three different continents. As his bosses can attest, his relentless, must-figure-it-out-and-fix-it nature would cause him to go above and beyond to get a job done, even if it meant tossing aside the manual and doing it his own way. He was a natural leader, and many colleagues looked up to him (few of them literally). Randy had numerous hobbies, but his favorite was motorcycling. He would take off with his wife and good friends on motorcycle adventures across Florida""sometimes having a planned destination, but always willing to go with the flow. He also rarely met a stranger. And of course, there was his quick wit (the man didn""t miss a beat) and his ability to tell the best of stories. He loved to laugh and make people laugh. Even at the end when his body was failing, he never stopped cracking jokes. Randy""s legacy is carried on by his wife, Brenda ""Chum"" Veteto, and his two sons: Bo (wife Ana); Cy (wife Kelly ""KJ,"" children Cash and Cline). His memory is carried on by his dear siblings: Floyd Jr., Theresa, Scott, William, and Raymond; and the many much-loved in-laws, nieces and nephews (who were all made to feel like his favorite), friends and family too numerous to list but not forgotten. His spirit is reunited with both of his parents, Floyd Sr. and Martha. His family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to everyone who cared for, prayed for and in some way showed their love to Randy during his battle with cancer. Special thanks to Dr. Mulaparthi at Watson Clinic Cancer Center and the wonderful caregivers and nurses at the Cancer Center, the oncology floor at Lakeland Regional Medical Center and Good Shepherd Hospice. His family invites you to join in celebrating his life at Heritage Baptist Church of Lakeland for a viewing on Mon., July 14 from 5-8 p.m. and a funeral on Tues., July 15 at 10 a.m., with graveside service to follow. Service: 07/15/2014 Heritage Baptist Church 4202 Pipkin Creek Rd. Lakeland, FL 33811 Heritage Baptist Church Visitation: 07/14/2014 Heritage Baptist Church