RANDY E SARLES was a student and accomplished performer of the guitar for 60 years, having studied with numerous private instructors including with the legendary bassist, the late Al Stauffer. His studies focused on composition, improvisation, and music theory.

Randy began playing the guitar at age eight. Randy performed professionally beginning at the age of thirteen. By the age of nineteen, he played regularly as the house guitarist at the Valley Forge Music Fair, opening for such acts as David Brenner and Johnny Carson and performing with Totie Fields, Theresa Brewer, Sergio Frankie and Ann Margret. After performing on the road with shows such as Godspell and Grease, Randy returned home to the Philadelphia area to begin a career in jazz. He performed with jazz greats in and around Philadelphia, including Herb Ellis. From 1987 to 1994, THE RANDY SARLES TRIO was the house band at the Guest Quarters Hotel in Plymouth Meeting, PA. From 1990 to 1998 Randy was the music director and primary accompanist at Jenny's Bistro in Peddlers Village Lahaska, PA where some of the best jazz vocalists in the tri-state area appeared. Randy taught music full time since 1972, initially at the Troubadour Music Shop. He owned and operated SARLES MUSIC, a private music school, recording, and instrument repair facility. Since 1988, he was the guitar, bass and jazz improvisation teacher at the Hill School in Pottstown, PA where he also conducted, directed and arranged for the Hill School Guitar Ensemble. Randy most recently played with the band Alchemy in several local venues, including Chaplin’s in Spring City PA. Chaplin’s was the venue where many of his performances found online were recorded. He was well known in the Philadelphia and Skippack area venues as well. He produced his own CDs titled: Sound of a Soul, The Inner Urge, and Birds of a Feather. His original songs and arrangements are part of the Philadelphia Real Book. He was much loved by his students.

Randy was also skilled at woodworking and enjoyed golf and biking.

Son of Chandler Sarles and Theresa McAlister, brother of Robin Howard and (the late) Gary Sarles. He was married to Deborah (Kimmel) Sarles for 38 years. He is survived by his wife, Deborah, his sons, Sean Sarles, Matthew Stone, and Brett Stone, and seven grandchildren. The family will hold a small private memorial in Long Beach Island, NJ, one of Randy’s favorite places. In the spring of 2023 there will be a Randyfest, at his request: a celebration of life with friends and family and music. Dates will be shared as details are finalized.

Randy had a rare Parkinsonian disorder called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), which he bravely fought for 7 years. Donations may be sent in his memory to Cure PSP: www.psp.org

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