Name: Louis P. Romano Life Dates: 8/27/1922 - 5/31/2012 City Of Birth: Rochester, NY Pre-deceased by Louis is predeceased by his wife, Pauline M. (D'Angelo) Romano; son, James Romano. History He is survived by his children Bernadette (Richard) Petitte, Louis M. (Diane) Romano, Geralyn (Sam) DiPaola; grandchildren, Jeremy Petitte, Sam Di Paola, Joe DiPaola Matthew Petitte; great-granddaughter, De'Anna Rose Petitte. Donations In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canandaigua VA, Palliative Care Fund, 400 Fort Hill Ave, Canandaigua NY 14424 in Louis' memory. Services Louis' visitation will be held 2-6PM on Sunday at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane (between Rte 390 Long Pond Rd). His Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10AM on Monday at Holy Ghost Church, 220 Coldwater Rd. Interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Additional Information A man of great honor, integrity, and compassion, Louis Romano was an extraordinary man to know and love. His devotion to the things he was passionate about was unmatched, and his heart beat to be a voice for those who struggle to be heard. A more dedicated father would be hard to find as Louis selflessly sacrificed whatever he could to make the way easier for his children. With the love of his life by his side throughout most of his life, he experienced so many of the best things life has to offer, never taking even one moment for granted. Even though life was not always easy, Louis was a man who was content in all things, wholeheartedly embracing every road throughout his lifes journey. The decade that became known as the Roaring Twenties brought us some of the most vibrant days our nation has ever seen. Changes that transformed the cultural fabric of America were plentiful and prosperity was the dominant force. Legends like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb breathed new life into baseball while jazz music saturated the air waves that welcomed new commercial radio stations like never before. Amidst this colorful time there was much to celebrate in the family of Frederico and Lucy (Crego) Romano as they were pleased to welcome the birth of their healthy baby boy on August 27, 1922. Their son, Louis, was born and raised in Rochester, New York, alongside his siblings. His family owned the Romano Brothers Grocery Store at the corner of Jay and Grape Street. As the 1920s gave way to the 1930s, the Great Depression covered our nation and much of the world like a wet blanket. For the most part Louis experienced a childhood that was reflective of the times. He attended St. Peter and Paul School, which was also known as the Cathedral School at the time. Like so many young men and women, Louis served his country in the military. He was a proud member of the Army Air Corps, serving as a mechanic on the B-29, engine number four, and on the Million Dollar Baby. Louis was stationed in India and Tinian Island in the Mariana Islands. With his duty to his country fulfilled, Louis returned home where he resumed the life he set aside for a time. He worked for Monroe County throughout his career, eventually working his way up to the director of weights and measures. Although he always worked hard, nothing was more near and dear to Louis' heart than his family. He married the love of his life, Pauline, with whom he was blessed with four children: James, Bernadette, Louis, and Geralyn. Louis was completely devoted to his family, especially his son James who was developmentally disabled. Louis cared for him with all of his heart and did everything he could for his son. He was passionate about being an advocate for the less fortunate and promoted causes he believed in. Louis organized talent shows to help raise funds for the Association for Retarded Children, the precursor to the Al Sigl Center. He also had many gazebos built to donate to group homes in Monroe County. One was even named in honor of Louis' son, James, called Jimmy's House on Whittier Road. Throughout his life Louis found so many things that enriched his life. He was a staunch Republican who was heavily involved in local politics, especially the 15th Ward. Louis volunteered and even spearheaded various campaigns throughout Monroe County. It was not uncommon to find Louis out walking in neighborhoods campaigning for his favorite candidates. He was very religious - a devoted Catholic who prayed regularly. Louis was devoted to St. Padre Pio, making numerous pilgrimages to Italy and Europe through the years. He also organized trips to Pennsylvania to visit the Padre Pio Spirituality Centre. Louis was a true kid at heart who loved Christmas. Louis acted as Santa Claus every year, handing out the gifts to everyone. He was a whiz at gin rummy and loved playing the game as his mind was naturally quick with numbers. Unlike most people around, Louis loved rooting against the New York Yankees and the Buffalo Bills. He also enjoyed writing songs and singing them, accompanied by air guitar. Because the people in his life were his greatest treasure, Louis loved nothing more than spending time with his four grandchildren. However, some may argue that his favorite hobby was stretching pennies! A fun-loving and colorful man, Louis Romano was a gift given to those around him. He was both strict and structured, yet he was also gentle and kindhearted. It was easy to see that Louis was a firm believer in the notion that anything worth doing is worth doing right, providing those around him with much to aspire for. Life will never be the same without Louis here, but the memories he leaves behind will be a priceless treasure for generations to come.