ALBERT “AL” FLOYD

RANDOLPH CENTER —Albert “Al” Floyd, 81, of Randolph Center, Vt., passed away surrounded by family Nov. 2, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service, humor, and steadfast dedication to his community.

Born on May 6, 1944, Al grew up in Millington, N.J., and graduated from Watchung Hills Regional High School in 1963. Immediately after graduation, the family moved to Randolph Center, where his parents purchased the village store. Al earned his associate’s degree in agriculture from Vermont Technical College in 1965. While at VTC, he met the love of his life, Jan, with whom he shared 44 wonderful years of marriage.

Al began his career as a horse trainer and later as farm manager at the UVM Morgan Horse Farm in Weybridge, Vt. His favorite time of year was always spring, when the foals were born — often sleeping in an empty stall waiting for mares to foal. He had many memorable experiences, including working with Disney to film the opening sequence for the movie Justin Morgan Had a Horse, delivering a horse to the King of Sweden, and mentoring countless apprentices in the farm’s newly formed apprenticeship program.

In 1979, after 13 years in Weybridge, Al and Jan made the decision to return to Randolph Center and purchase the store from his parents. Their excellence in storekeeping and commitment to their neighbors earned them the Local Storekeeper of the Year Award in 1998 from the Preservation Trust of Vermont and the Vermont Country Store.

Al’s service extended far beyond the store. Over the years, he gave countless hours to his community. While in Weybridge, he volunteered for 10 years as an EMT with the Middlebury Ambulance, five as its president. Upon returning to Randolph, he served as a Hunter Safety Instructor; a member and chair of both the Randolph Selectboard and the Randolph School Board; and on the State of Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board, where he helped shape policy for future generations.

Perhaps his greatest service, though, was as a member of the Randolph Center Fire Department. Joining almost immediately upon his return to town, he served as a firefighter for six years before becoming chief — a role he held for an extraordinary 26 years. Under his leadership, the department secured Randolph’s first ladder truck in partnership with VTC, which proved vital in saving downtown during the 1991–92 fires. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to helping others, Al received the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Community Service in 2003 from Governor James Douglas and the Vermont Commission on National and Community Service.

Al was not all work and service, though. He enjoyed raising his beagles, and spending time with his friends hunting, snowmobiling and playing golf, as well as spending time at the family camp in Lincoln, Vt.

Al was predeceased by beloved wife, Jan; his parents, Bill and Madeline Floyd; and his brother, Bill Floyd. He leaves behind his two daughters, Bridget (Matt) Calacci and Jill (Joe) O’Connor; his cherished grandsons, Brennan and Skylar; sister-in-law Kristina (Tina) Kilburn and her husband, Bob; and his nephews Jamie (Lisa) Floyd, Colin (Careen) Floyd, and Wade (Emilie) Floyd and their families.

All are invited to a celebration of his life — and to share stories and laughs — on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 11 a.m. in the VTC SHAPE facility. Casual dress is encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Randolph Center Fireman’s Fund, 1192 Clay Wight Rd., Randolph Center, VT 05061. Arrangements are being handled by Day Funeral Home in Randolph. ◊