Necrology

John Edmund Romano '48

Jan. 1, 1927-Jun. 8, 2018

John Edmund Romano ’48, a longtime dentist of Utica, N.Y., was born on Jan. 1, 1927, at home in Utica, the son of the former Giovanna Gentile and Pasquale Romano. He graduated from Proctor High School in Utica in 1944.

Romano entered Hamilton with the Class of ’48, but his education was interrupted for two years when he served in World War II as a U.S. Army interpreter stationed in Italy. He graduated from the College in 1949 having majored in biology and chemistry. He was a member of the Squires Club, Biology Club, and the Newman Club.

The 1949 Hamiltonian noted about Romano, “It was he who was responsible for the rendition of Italian Operas which used to resound through the classic halls of South, and it was he who was a charter member of the Little Bit of Utica Away from Home Club of 21 Carnegie. Medical study is the next item on John’s agenda.”

In 1954, Romano earned a degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry. He opened an office in Utica, where he practiced general dentistry for 43 years, retiring in 1997.

He was a man of deep faith, according to a published obituary. Romano’s family noted that among the many lessons he consistently taught them was to live simply, honestly, and humbly in furtherance of God’s purpose.

John E. Romano died on June 8, 2018, at home with his wife, the former Beatrice Vona, and his son, Paul Romano ’84, by his side. He was 91. In addition to his wife of 61 years, he is survived by four children and 10 grandchildren. His brother-in-law was Marsette Vona ’64.

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