Dr. Randolf Allen Tobias

Slide Show—11:00 AM

Alpha Phi Alpha Ceremony—11:30 AM

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Dr. Randolf Allen Tobias was born on January 16, 1940 in Bronx, New York to Ruth Galloway and Lambert Tobias, Esq.  Although his mother Ruth was present in his life Randy, as he was fondly called by family and friends, basically grew up on Decatur Street in Brooklyn, New York with his grandparents Delores and Cyril Small, whom he fondly called Mamma and Daddy. On Decatur Street and at Mt Lebanon Baptist Church Randy grew up with Dr. Anderson “AJ” Franklyn, Rev. Dr. Thomas ”Thom” Turner, Dr. Vernon Allwood and Rev. Dr. Joseph Dancy. In 1957, Randy graduated from Boy’s High School in Brooklyn. At the request and urging of Mamma, Randy departed Brooklyn with A J and the Franklin family where they registered as freshmen at Virginia Union University. In 1959, Randy was initiated into the Gamma Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity of which he has been a member for 62 years.

Upon receiving his BA degree in Social Studies, Randy returned to Brooklyn where he married Alma Tobias, taught school and worked with children while he pursued a Master’s Degree at Brooklyn College of the City University. In continued pursuit of higher education Randy received a Doctorate in Education from Columbia University Teacher’s College.

As a Mellon Fellow in 1983, Dr. Tobias examined supervisory roles aimed at improving curriculum and teaching approaches in alternative neighborhood schools. He consulted with School Systems and Universities on curriculum and teaching approaches designed to increase the learning potential of culturally diverse populations. After writing many articles on curriculum and teaching  strategies, Dr. Tobias published two books on the subject: Nurturing At Risk Youth in Math & Science: Curriculum And Teaching Considerations and Ensuring Success in Math and Science .

Dr. Tobias has lectured and trained educators in Newcastle, England; Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands and Klerksdorp as well as Soweto, South Africa. He was a Professor Emeritus of School Administration at Queens College of the City University of New York where he also served as Chair of the Graduate Department of Educational and Community Programs and Dean for Special Programs/SEEK, a Visiting Professor at Belmont Abbey College, North Carolina, Director of the Division of Education at Shaw University and Winston-Salem State University and Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at Long Island University.

With respect to Civic duty and community service, in 2001 Randy ran for State Senator and debated Senator Orin Johnson on National TV. He Served as a trustee on the Deer Park Board of Education for 7 years, was Co-Founder of the Southeast Concerned Civic Association of Deer Park, NY and Co-Founder of the Wheatley Heights Concerned Fathers.

In 1986, Randy and Sandye began a relationship that transcended into an incredible 35 year blended family with 9 wonderful grandchildren and many years of international cruises, trips, great family and extended family gatherings, celebrations and adventures. Sandye and Randy both retired from The City University of New York and moved to Charlotte in 2005, where they joined and became active in Clanton/South End Presbyterian Church.  Both served as Ordained Elders. Randy was also a member of the Men’s Council, taught the Men’s Sunday School, sang in the Choir and worked in the Food Pantry. Randy was a Jazz enthusiast, but he played the piano at Carnegie Hall and played drums and congas with a few local groups.

On Sunday, July 18, 2021 Randolf A. Tobias peacefully ascended to his eternal resting place. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife Sandye, a blended family of 5 children; Tonya Carmen Plummer(Alberto), Maurice Tobias(Henryne), Dr. Meredith Colman-Tobias, Ambrose Brown III and Shanai Young(Jamaal). Nine grandchildren; Cheyenne Tobias, Amando and Dante Plummer, Baldwin Coleman-Tobias, Morelia Mack, Amir and Amani Brown,  Jaiden  and Malani Young; sister-in-law Dorothy Ewell ; a brother-in-law Lloyd Anthony Jr; God Daughters Dr. Deidra Franklin and Amari Sulton; a loving Brother/Friend Dr Anderson Franklin and host of  nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

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In Lieu of Flowers or any acts of  tangible kindness we would appreciate donations in Honor of Dr. Randolf Tobias sent to:

Give A Youth A Chance,

"Give A Youth A Chance!" Dr. John T. Crawford, Greater Scholars Founder
Go to this website- greatersteps.org/donate .

Investing in the Greater Steps Scholars Program means transforming lives for marginalized youth in our community by providing access to and success through college and beyond.