Randy Bilar Autentico

Randy Bilar Autentico

November 9, 1938 - January 12, 2023

On Thursday January 12, 2023, Randy Autentico, passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 84. He is survived by his beloved wife Gayle, his three daughters Tamara, Randi Lyn (Monte Moser) and Alauna (John Stone); 10 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. 

Randy was born to Albert and Catherine Autentico in Stockton, CA. Brother to siblings Allan Autentico, Kathleen Thomasson and Carole Fontana. Randy grew up on Belshaw Street in Antioch,CA. As a young boy he loved playing outside with his buddies, playing sports, exploring the black diamond mines and raiding the neighborhood fruit trees. In high school he excelled as an athlete, lettering in four sports his senior year. This earned him the distinguished honor of being inducted into the Antioch Sports Legend Hall of Fame in 2012 https://www.antiochsportslegends.com/?s=randy+autentico.  He graduated from Antioch High School in 1956. After which he served overseas in the United States Army. While serving in Germany he had the opportunity to play quarterback for the Army’s football team the Berlin Bears. 

After returning home honorably from the military, he married his high school sweetheart Gayle. They moved to Utah so Randy could attend Brigham Young University. There he earned a Bachelor and Master degree in Physical Education. He was again able to utilize his athletic prowess by becoming a walk-on football player for the Cougars earning a full ride scholarship.      

After college, Randy pursued his passion for coaching and teaching in Utah and Idaho before settling back in his hometown with his family. With undying love and support from his wife and daughters he continued to dedicate his time to coaching athletes from Park Jr High, Antioch High, Concord High, Deer Valley High, East Bay Buccaneers and Nor Cal Lawmen. In 1983 he helped organize and coach for the Antioch Youth Football Organization. In his later years he coached for the Delta Patriots in Brentwood where his grandsons played football. He could be seen rolling out of the pocket during practice into his late 70’s.

Married for over 60 years, best friends, Randy and Gayle have lived a beautiful life together. Both worked for and retired from the Antioch School District. Together, they love to go on walks, eat delicious food, travel the world, embark on countless cruises, and gather often with family and friends. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints they could always be found serving others; quick to give love, time and resources to anyone in need. Randy served in many capacities, including as a Bishop for 5 years, young men’s president at 80 years old, and served a senior couples mission with Gayle at the Cal State Fullerton Institute. His faith in Jesus Christ was very important to him. This was evident in how he treated others.

Randy was a true family man. His wife and daughters love and adore him, as well as the rest of his family. He was very close to many relatives far and wide. He was blessed to have his 3 daughters raise their families close by, allowing him and Gayle to develop relationships with each of their grandchildren. They were always supportive of their children and grandchildren, especially by cheering them on as spectators in their various sports or activities. Fishing became a favorite pastime for Randy once he retired from teaching. He especially loved taking his grandchildren to the pier to fish and spend time together.   

Randy was very proud of his heritage as a Filipino American. He was a true patriot and had a deep love for his country and his fellowman. He is admired by those who know him as a person of great character and integrity. Being powerful or fitting in were unimportant to him. He cared about doing the right thing and that made you like him.  His strength, loyalty, kindness, honesty, and dependability are just a few of his wonderful qualities. He was great at connecting with people, making others feel cared for, and important. Even at the end of his life, when he was ill, he didn’t want to talk about himself. He always wanted to hear about what was going on in your life. Randy was very inspired. He seemed to know how he could help those around him and had the courage to act upon those impressions. His genuine personality was so endearing. He would tell all of the people who he came in contact with that he loved them and appreciated them. And, he meant it. Throughout the years Randy has had many former students and athletes reach out to him with gratitude for his powerful influence in their lives. His innate ability to see others in an elevated way has lifted many to new heights.  Thus, enabling others to do as he always did, lift those around him. 

His legacy will live on through those whose life he has influenced for good. Randy will be forever loved and will truly be missed.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 9:30 AM, Saturday, January 21, 2023 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3015 Rio Grande Drive, Antioch, CA with funeral services to follow at 11:00 AM at the church. Interment to follow at Oak View Memorial Park, 2500 E 18th St, Antioch, CA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to be made to the Antioch Sports Legends at the Antioch Historical Society Museum:https://www.antiochsportslegends.com/donate/

Arrangements by Magleby's Oak Park Hills Chapel, Pleasant Hill / Walnut Creek

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