Robert "Randy" Knisely II

“Have Fun While You Can; that is his plan.” That was quoted in 1962 when he graduated from Waite High School in Toledo, Ohio. That he did!! He was a fun -loving, kindhearted, easy-going person that made friends easily wherever his adventures took him. His passion in life was jazz music, golf, and a good drink.

After graduation he attended the University of New Mexico to play golf. The following year he would enlist in the U.S. Army where he was a Paratrooper- “Screaming Eagle” and earned his M-14 sharpshooter badge. His family enjoyed the stories he would tell about jumping out of the planes at night and especially his story on how he ended up becoming a Musician in the Army Band. He believed deeply that was divine intervention. It was during this period of his life that he would develop his deeper passion for music.

Randy would later earn a degree in jazz composition from the Berklee College of Music, a master’s degree in musical performance from The University of Toledo and a Bachelor of Education from Bowling Green State University. His love for music allowed him to play in different venues across the country and abroad. It provided him with the opportunities to play with Patti Labelle and The Blue Belles, Floyd “Candy” Johnson, and Duke Ellington. He would play locally at Murphy’s Place and with The Toledo Homewreckers at The Ottawa Tavern. He continued to perform for several years with the 555th Air Force Band the “Triple Nickel” based in Swanton, Ohio ending with 30 years of service overall.

Randy is survived by his brother Timothy “Butch” Knisely, nieces Julie (Tony) Gallaher, Sarah (Danny) Knisely-King, Kathryn (Joe) Werkema, Natalie Knisely, nephews Scott (Mary Lou) Rode, Timothy “Bert” Knisely and several great nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his father Dr. Robert Knisely, his mother Lois (Menne) Knisely, and his sister Trina (Rode) Knisely.

Family and friends may visit the Freck Funeral Chapel on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm where services will begin at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Memorial contributions can be made to Live Arts Toledo 4747 Heatherdowns Blvd. Toledo, Ohio 43614 or www.liveartstoledo.com . Please designate Toledo Jazz Orchestra or Toledo Jazz Youth Orchestra.