Randall Whitney Hier

Randall W. Hier, 74, of Lunenburg, Massachusetts passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, at his home on Howard Street on December 15, 2024. Born on July 5, 1950, in Fitchburg, MA at Lucy Helen Hospital, Randy lived a life devoted to family, work, and community. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Linda Hier; his two daughters, Cheryl Becotte and her husband, Alan, of Winchendon, MA, and Michelle (Shelly) Trani and her husband, Anthony, of Lebanon, CT. Randy was a proud grandfather to Adam (and his wife Melissa), Thomas, and Nicole Becotte and Leona and Lilly Trani, and also great-grandfather to Eliana and Luca Becotte. His grandchildren were truly the light of his life and he loved to visit and text with them. His living room held a gallery of pictures and artwork from all the grandchildren and he refused to take any of it down! Although his career mattered to him, he once said, “I think the reason God really put me here was to be a good father and grandfather and to take care of my family.”

He is also lovingly remembered by his brothers Ralph W. Phelps, Jr. and his wife Kelley of Athol and Lawrence A. Hier and his wife Mariann of Ashby. Randy was predeceased by his brother William R. Phelps and his wife Jane, as well as his sister Joan Selin. His mother-in-law Leone Nelson, who lived with him for nearly two decades, also predeceased him. He is also fondly remembered by his brother-in-law, Pete Selin Sr. Randall's legacy likewise extends to numerous nieces and nephews, and their families: Kristin (Phelps) Mathieu, Brooke (Phelps) Dufresne, Ashley (Phelps) Ouellette, Christopher Phelps, Wendy (Phelps) Hubbard, Brenda (Phelps) Peters, Sandy (Selin) Herndon, Michael Selin, Pete Selin Jr, Joe Progin, and Dolly Brown.

A dedicated professional, Randy worked at Unitil, formerly known as Fitchburg Gas and Electric, for 42 years. He served with distinction for many years as the president of the local 340 Brotherhood of Utility Workers Union. His leadership earned him the respect of colleagues, coworkers, and company administrators, as Randy had the ability to forge connections amongst diverse groups. He leaves behind many dear company friends and former coworkers with whom he continued to be connected, even after his retirement in 2013. He was likewise strongly connected to the surrounding city of Fitchburg and counted many members of the community as his friends.

In his younger years, Randy was an avid basketball player who competed in amateur leagues. Affectionately known as "Hondo," he was a true team player. He was involved in the Mount Wachusett Community College intramural basketball team while he was a student there, and had some of his most memorable basketball games while playing on this team. Later in life, he took great joy in watching his grandchildren play sports and dance. A highlight of this time is when Randy served as Assistant Coach to Nicole's town travel basketball team and helped lead them to the championship! A lifelong sports enthusiast, he remained a devoted fan of the Boston Celtics, New England Patriots, and Boston Red Sox throughout his life.

Randy loved to travel to Wells, Maine with his family, where they kept an RV at Gregoire’s Campground. He could always be found tinkering around the campsite and fixing things with duct tape, talking to fellow campers, or walking the Drakes Island and Wells Beaches. For many years he traveled with his family to Prince Edward Island, Canada for many joyful beach vacations. Randy was an avid gardener and spent many happy evenings working with Shelly in the vegetable and flower gardens, and loved to share produce with his friends and neighbors. 

Randy's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was one of the kindest and gentlest of men, and always had a thoughtful and supporting word for each person with whom he crossed paths. His family members can attest to the fact that he was our best and brightest cheerleader, and always cared about each of our lives. So many of us will miss his beloved good morning text messages! May his life be celebrated and his legacy cherished for generations to come.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will begin Friday, December 27, 2024 from 11:00-2:00pm in the BRANDON Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, 

A Memorial Service will start at 2:00 pm with the Reverend F. Calvin Miller officiating.

Burial will be private.

Kevin Mack, Walter Taylor & Dan Serina Funeral Directors.