Randall James Lagorio

Randall J. Lagorio, 72, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, passed away in Green Bay on August 5, 2024, surrounded by his daughters. Randy was born on October 11, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Robert and Marie-Anne (Christianson) Lagorio.

Randy developed a passion for antiques at an early age, starting his career as a teenager in his mother’s shop, Snow Gate Antiques, in Lake Forest, Illinois. After taking over her location at Tudor Court, he struck out on his own, founding Black Wolf Antiques in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in 1986. It was a solo venture, in which he traveled around in a big van to antique shows around the upper Midwest. For his kindness, ready jokes, and impeccable eye for unique jewelry, he became a loved and respected figure in the antiquing community.

Randy was a devoted husband to Ann, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage. Once they had ditched the Chicago area for rural Wisconsin in the ‘80s, they became part-time farmers. Among the residents of the Lagorio farm were dozens of Angora goats, Cotswold and Karakul sheep, alpacas, peacocks, and whatever other stray farm animals anyone else decided to deposit in a structure that Randy proudly identified as the largest freestanding barn in Winnebago County. He was a loving father to his two daughters, Christine and Carla, whom he permitted as kids to raise dozens of rabbits, as well as to bottle feed any orphaned sheep and goats, and to house one retired carnival pony. 

Randy had a big heart, and was the guy neighbors, friends, and children’s friends would come to with their problems. He found spiritual peace in his light-streamed barn, and joy spending time at the lakeside log cabin his grandfather built in the Wisconsin north woods. He found satisfaction in repairing old cars, boats, bikes, and, of course, antique furniture.

He is survived by his wife, Ann; his daughters, Carla Lagorio (Andy Tyriver) of Eau Claire and Christine Lagorio-Chafkin (Max Chafkin) of New York City. He relished his role as silly-face-making grandpa, or Mufa, to Isla, Margot, Alice, Solly, and Leon. He’s also survived by his brother, John. Randall was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brothers Lance and Robert.

The family requests that donations be made to the Nature Conservancy. Or just make some pickles and a good Bloody Mary, and share with a friend your memory of Randy.