Peter S. Romano

Peter S. Romano, 85, died unexpectedly Tuesday, August 20. 

Born in Fitchburg at Lucy Helen Memorial Hospital to the late Ralph R. Romano, Sr. and Fannie (Salvatore) Romano, joining his big brother Ralph, Jr. to complete their family. 

Peter graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1956 and following in his father’s and brother’s footsteps, attended Norwich University Military College of Vermont from which he graduated in 1960. After earning his degree in civil engineering, Peter was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, after which he joined the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1967. First beginning work for the State Highway Department in Vermont then moving back to Massachusetts to start a nearly 40 year career with the Commonwealth of Mass DPW (now MassDOT). He truly loved his job as a civil engineer and held various positions within the department in both Districts 3 and 4, as Materials Engineer, Traffic Engineer, and Assistant District Construction Engineer, as well as a certified polymer materials specialist. He was proud of the fact that he had the chance to work with his brother, son, nieces, and nephews within MassDOT. 

Peter was an avid sportsman, served on several Westminster town boards, was a 30 year member of the Westminster Lions Club, and had coached both of his sons in Baseball and Hockey. He was happiest spending time with his family, watching his grandchildren at their activities, puttering in the garden, planting his garlic, making his wine, and cooking. 

 A beloved husband, cherished father, and adored Nonno, Peter was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Margaret (Membrino) Romano of Westminster, his daughter BethAnn Romano of Fitchburg, his son Stephen and wife Kelly (Hanney) of Hubbardston, his son Peter J. and his wife Kate (Waterbury) of Ashburnham, and his five grandchildren, over whom the sun rose and set: Nicolas and his significant other Rebecca Mathews, Owen, Anthony, Lindsay, and Gabriella Romano, as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Ralph R. Romano, Jr. and Simone (Allaire) Romano, his in-laws Anthony J. and Eleanor (Brooks) Membrino, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Patricia (Membrino) Wolfe and William Wolfe. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Peter’s name, to either the Westminster Lions Club, P.O. Box 618 Westminster, MA 01473 or Westminster Fire Association, 7 South Street, Westminster, MA 01473 or Westminster Police Association, 7 South Street, Westminster, MA 01473.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 30th, from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 31st at 11:00am at St. Edward the Confessor, 10 Church Street, Westminster. 

Burial will be held at a later date with family. 

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.