Gloria Romano died at her home in Bradenton, Florida, on April 6, 2026. She was 90.
Born on May 16, 1935, in Amsterdam, New York, Gloria was the fifth of Paulo and Antonetta (Mancini) Lopes’ seven children. She spent most of her childhood in Paterson, New Jersey, where her family relocated after Mr. Lopes sustained an injury in an industrial accident and sought employment in construction.
After attending Paterson’s Eastside High School, Gloria embarked on a career as a hairstylist. She managed her own salon and later worked as a catering manager.
In 1957, Gloria married Gerald P. Romano of Hoboken, New Jersey, and the couple settled in the nearby borough of Fair Lawn. Their union produced three children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Mr. Romano died last year.
The couple relocated to Bradenton in 1982. For many years, Gloria enjoyed being a “snowbird,” maintaining homes there and in Hendersonville, North Carolina, with a great sense of style and meticulous attention to detail.
From the beaches of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key to the mountains of Western North Carolina, Gloria enjoyed collecting shells, antiquing, shopping, and gardening. She had an adventurous nature and a hunger for knowledge. She was also known for her culinary skills—her traditional Sunday gravy was unrivaled—and her readiness to partake in the whirlwind of visiting grandchildren.
Her survivors include three children, Mary Ann Romano Smith of Bradenton, Geraldine Checinski of Petersburg, New Jersey, and Joseph Romano of Sidney, Ohio, along with their spouses, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She is also survived by a sister, Dina Stagg of Schoharie, New York, and a brother, Joseph Lopes of Jackson, New Jersey.
Details of a Celebration of Life event will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society, or Tidewell Foundation.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
