Randall "Randy" Allan Harkins

Randall "Randy" Alan Harkins, 77, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away on June 5th, 2025 after a courageous five-year battle with renal cancer.

Born and raised in Athens, Ohio, Randy was an exceptional athlete from an early age. He graduated from Athens High School in 1966, where his outstanding achievements in football and track earned him a well-deserved place in the Athens High School Hall of Fame. The legendary Ara Parseghian recruited Randy to join the University of Notre Dame football team.

Unfortunately, his promising football career was cut short by a devastating leg and ankle injury during a preseason scrimmage. Although he could no longer play football, Randy's competitive spirit and love of sport led him to the ice. In 1968, he joined the Notre Dame Hockey Club, where he played under the guidance of Irish hockey legend Lefty Smith. Randy went on to play for Notre Dame's first varsity hockey team, and his passion for the game never wavered, continuing to play in recreational leagues until he hung up his skates in 2018.

In 1970, Randy married his first wife, Susan Peyla (née Platner). Together, they raised four daughters, Theresa, Melissa, Alicia and Sarah. Randy was a devoted father, teaching his daughters everything from how to ride a bike to handling home repairs. His pride and joy was always his girls, and he was their biggest supporter in all their endeavors. Later in life, he embraced his role as Grandpa and enjoyed imparting knowledge, sharing stories and attending their arts and sporting events.

In 1996, Randy married Sharon Donlon. They were active members of the Catholic Church, enjoyed watching PBS programs, shared many joyful moments attending Notre Dame Women's Basketball games and participating in family gatherings. Randy loved the additional family he gained through this marriage and especially enjoyed being 'Papa Randy' to many bonus grandchildren.

Randy was known for his talent and ingenuity when it came to fixing things, a skill he turned into a successful career in electrical sales. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to create his own electrical business. Above all, Randy's kindness, generosity and willingness to help others shone through. Whether it was lending a hand to a friend or giving advice to a loved one, his caring nature left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

A lifelong Notre Dame sports fan, Randy's passion for the Fighting Irish never faltered. He enjoyed attending and watching games across a variety of sports, particularly football, hockey, and basketball. Randy was always sharing his enthusiasm with his family and friends.

Randy is preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Clara Harkins, and his brother, Terry. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Donlon, his brother Dennis (Kim), his four daughters, Theresa Harkins-Schulz (Mike), Melissa Harkins-Rose (Alan), Alicia Harkins, and Sarah Sparks (Britton), as well as his cherished grandchildren, Logan and Cooper Pritchett, McKenzie and Paxton Schulz, Sydney and Marin Rose, and many extended family members.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 13, at 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM at Saint Joseph Church, South Bend, 266 N. Hill Street. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka.

Randy's life was defined by love, perseverance, and a deep sense of community. He will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with his care.

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