Ralph R. Romano, Jr.

The funeral will be held Tuesday, September 27th, in St. Anthony di Padua Church, 84 Salem St, Fitchburg at 11:00am. Burial will be held at a later date with family. Calling hours will be held in Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg, MA on Monday, September 26th from 4-7pm. Flowers may be sent or gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Simone Romano to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.jimmyfund.org/gift.



FITCHBURG – Ralph R. Romano Jr, 87, of 20 Romano Ave., died Monday, September 19, of natural causes after a long and happy life.

He was born in Fitchburg on March 28, 1935, the son of the late Ralph R. Romano Sr. and Fannie (Salvatore) Romano.

Ralph lived a rich life. He was a dedicated family man, made life-long friends, and was dedicated to his career as a civil engineer.  He was a 1952 graduate of Fitchburg High School and went on to receive his civil engineering degree at Norwich University Military College of Vermont in 1956.  Upon graduating, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant into the Army Corps of Engineers and was called to active duty shortly, thereafter, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant.  He served until November of 1958, leaving the Army to return home to help his family after the early passing of his father.  Ralph was most proud of his nearly 40-year career with the Commonwealth of Mass DPW (now MassDOT) where he served in various positions including the District 4 Construction Engineer.  Ralph was also the Resident Engineer for the original construction of I-190 from Leominster through Sterling.

Ralph loved fishing and hunting and always found ways to help his family, friends, and community.  He was an active member of the Leominster Sportsman’s Club serving as President and Treasurer and volunteering many hours there, including providing the engineering for the relocation of the trap and skeet range and running the pheasant program for many years.  He was a member of St. Anthony di Padua Parish in Fitchburg and the Order of the Sons of Italy, Cristoforo Colombo Regina Elena Fitchburg Lodge, #169.

Ralph’s family is very grateful for his 16 years of grit and determination to persevere through many health challenges after the devastating loss of his wife, Simone, in February of 2006.  He knew his family needed him and he was determined to be engaged in life to the very end.

Ralph is now with his loving wife, Simone, who he was married to for over 46 years until her passing on February 1, 2006.  He leaves his brother, Peter S. Romano and sister-in-law, Margaret Romano, of Westminster, five children; sons Ralph R. Romano, III and his wife Lori and Michael A. Romano and his wife Ann, all from Fitchburg; daughters Patricia A. Leavenworth and her husband Gary of Westminster; Christina Duffy and her husband Steve of Bradenton, FL, and his daughter Karen, who cared for him in his home for the past five years with her partner Billy Parks.  He also leaves seven grandchildren, Gary Jr., Samantha, Anthony, Katherine, Simelia, Gianni, and Cody, four great-grandchildren, Nova May, Gabriel, Allison, and Molly; his faithful dog, Buddy, and many cousins and lifelong friends, including his childhood friend, Louis Bellabara of Fitchburg who he shared many adventures with for over 80 years.