Theodore J. Rand was born January 7, 1918 in Watertown, son of Joseph O. and Ida Fisher Rand and attended local schools. He was a student at Syracuse University before entering the Air Force on March 4, 1941. He received his wings on November 13, 1943 and was assigned to the 486th Bomber Group, 3rd Bombardment Division, Eighth Air Force. He received the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross while serving as first lieutenant and navigator on the B-17 Flying Fortress “Silver Dollar” during numerous attacks on German Military and industrial targets. He served 4 1/2 years and was discharged with the rank of Captain.
Mr. Rand was associated with his father in Rand’s Clothing Store before World War II and returned to the business after his military service. He took over the firm following his father’s death in 1944 and operated the store at 109 Arcade Street until 1979.
Mr. Rand served on the Watertown City Council from 1962 to 1965 during the time of Urban Renewal. Mr. Rand became Mayor November 4, 1966, when he was appointed successor to Mr. Galvin, who resigned. Mr. Rand was re-elected in 1967 and 1971.
Mr. Rand was a member of the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors from 1981 to 1991, representing the Fifth Ward. A Democrat, he served on a number of committees during his tenure.
Mr. Rand was on the Flower Memorial Library Board from 1983 to 1993 and was a member of the Jefferson County Agricultural Society, former manager of the Jefferson County Fair and former president of the Community Action Planning Council. He received the Rural Urban Recognition Award from Jefferson County Pomona Grange in 1990. He was past commander of Army and Navy Post American Legion Post 61 and a past Legion Commander.
He married Gertrude Dyer Clarke on November 15, 1962.
The City named the new entrance to the Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds in his honor in the summer of 1995.
Mr. Rand passed away on October 23, 1995 at his home on Marra Drive at the age of 77. He is buried at Degel Israel Cemetery.
