Randall Edwin Stratton, Jr. was born in Framingham, Massachusetts on February 17, 1945 to Randall Stratton, Sr. and Charlotte Stratton. His parents were both teachers at Providence Country Day School, teaching history and drama. Randall had two older siblings, Sandra and George. Before arriving at Spannocchia, Randall’s life was full of travel and adventure. 

He studied English and Drama at Harvard. He was featured in several plays, and worked alongside fellow drama student John Lithgow. Two years into his education, he decided to join the army. He was eventually stationed in Vietnam during the war. A few years after returning from deployment he joined in the anti-war protests, Vietnam Veterans against the War, where he met John Kerry. He also completed his studies at Harvard and graduated with a bachelor's degree in English. 

Randall’s sense of adventure brought him on an unforgettable trip across Europe, on motorcycle. He and his friends visited many countries, including Italy. Later on, Randall moved to Kansas to study Architecture at the University of Kansas, and he worked building sets for the Drama department. 

The Architecture course at KU offered a program in Italy for two weeks, and Randall signed up for it. The program took place at Spannocchia, and this is where he met Francesca Cinelli, the daughter of Ferdinando Cinelli, who owned the property at the time. 

Randall and Francesca fell in love, and eventually decided to start a family in Massachusetts. They married in Cambridge, and had two children, Nathaniel and Chiara. 

In the early 1990s, Ferdinando needed help managing the Tenuta, and persuaded Randall and Francesca to move there with their young family. At first their idea was to help out for a year or two, but as time went by, they became an integral part of Spannocchia and decided to stay. A couple of years after they moved to Italy they had their third child, Lily.  

With hard work and a lot of passion, they were able to transform Spannocchia from a fading Castello into what it is today. The Tenuta di Spannocchia is now a working farm and agriturismo that holds strong values of sustainability, organic farming, education, preservation of historic landscape, and building community. 

Randall and Francesca would still travel back to the US every year, to stay in contact with friends and family, and several years ago bought a house in Vermont. All three of their children were living there at the time and they wanted to be close to the kids and their grandchild. 

A few years ago Randall was diagnosed with cancer. Despite his illness he continued to travel, as well as participate in the activities at Spannocchia. He always loved being in the midst of it all. 

On October 26, 2023, Randall passed away in Vermont, surrounded by friends and family. His commitment to sustainability continues after death. Randall chose to have a green burial, in the Vermont Forest Cemetery. This method of burial returns him naturally to the ecosystem, and helps sustain the planet and future generations. The cemetery he chose holds many of the same values that Spannocchia does: a commitment to sustainability and conservation, community and education.

Spannocchia visitors, program participants, and interns alike have fond memories of Randall's informative historical tours, his engaging stories over wine on the terrace or dinner in the Villa, and the warmth with which he welcomed everyone to his family’s special property. All of us at Spannocchia are committed to honoring Randall's memory through our work today and every day. Through Spannocchia, Randall created a legacy that has touched thousands of people—and will hopefully continue to impact many future generations.