Obituary of Anthony M. Romano

Anthony (Tony) Romano Anthony M. Romano , 85, of Rome, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2008, at Syracuse Veterans Administration Hospital . He was born in Rome, N.Y. on October 13, 1922, son of the late Nicola and Carmella Pace Romano. Tony, a 1940 graduate of Rome Free Academy, served with the U.S. Army Infantry during World War II. On April 11,1942, he married Mary George in St. John the Baptist Church, a blessed union of 66 years. Tony retired as co-owner and operator of Romano's Shoe Store on James St. He was a former member of Sylvan Beach American Legion and was an avid fisherman. Tony was a man who loved a challenge and had a gift for fixing just about anything as all those he helped will verify. Tony was also a self-taught musician who played several instruments as a hobby and for his family's enjoyment. In fact, his most special times were those spent with family and relaxing with a cigar. Tony was a loving and generous husband, father and grandfather with a witty sense of humor, who will be deeply missed by all who loved him. Surviving besides his wife, Mary, are two sons and a daughter-in-law, Michael and Pearl Romano, Sylvan Beach, Anthony J. Romano, Rome; two daughters and sons-in-law,Linda and Paul Cataldo II, Myrtle Beach, S.C., Trisha and Ken Mumpton, Rome; eleven grandchildren, Dennis A. Ranagila, Tiffany M. Romano, F.Paul (Chip) Cataldo III, Eric A. Cataldo, Jessica M. Premo, Melissa Vetter Varacalli, Aaron M. Premo, Katherine E.J. Mumpton, Marie Toni Romano, Emily M. Mumpton and Hannah M. Premo; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Carmella Marie Romano, a brother, Joseph Romano, and four sisters, Rose Malley, Grace Taylor, Mary Cappelletti and Minnie Mirarchi. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 8:15 AM from the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home Inc., 218 W. Court St., and at St. John the Baptist Church at 9:00 AM. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4-8-PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rome Disabled American Veterans.