Husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather Gerald Romano died on June 18, 2025, at his home in Bradenton, Florida. He was 93.
Born on January 20, 1932, in Hoboken, New Jersey, Janurino Philip Romano was the youngest of eight children born to Joseph and Carmella (Ippolito) Romano.
Known simply as "Jerry," Mr. Romano grew up amid the factories and piers of the dockside "Mile Square City" featured in the 1954 film On The Waterfront, an environment that shaped his uncompromising work ethic and equally unwavering loyalty to friends and family.
After serving honorably in the United States Air force, Mr. Romano thrived in a three-decade career driving tractor-trailers for several of the region's prominent motor freight companies.
On September 21, 1957, Mr. Romano married Gloria Lopes of Paterson, New Jersey, a union that produced three children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Mr. Romano relocated to Bradenton in the early 1980s. He became a familiar face on nearby Longboat Key, where he enjoyed a second career as a security guard and concierge at a couple of the barrier island's most upscale condominium communities.
After retirement, Mr. Romano escaped Florida's tropical summers by spending time at a vacation home in Hendersonville, North Carolina. While enjoying the change of scenery and climate that being a "snowbird" afforded, he often found the mountain serenity cherished by so many to be simply "too quiet."
Jerry will be remembered for his kindness and willingness to help others, for his dedication to friends and family, and for an imaginative sense of humor that conjured multiple nicknames for each family member, including all of the pets. He was passionate about sports, ice cream and music, particularly the work of his childhood neighbor Frank Sinatra, and took a keen interest in the education and careers of his accomplished grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Romano is survived by daughters Mary Ann Romano Smith of Bradenton and Geraldine Checinski of Woodbine, New Jersey, son Joseph Romano of Sidney, Ohio, and their spouses, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A sister, Violet Heitmann of Maywood, New jersey, also survives him.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, June 28 in Bradenton. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Cancer Society or the Tidewell Foundation.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
