Pete Romano — a son of Saugatuck, proud Staples High School graduate, lover of Westport, hands-on volunteer, philanthropist, guiding force behind the LandTech engineering and land use firm, and a link between our town’s past, present and future — died last night.
A full obituary will be posted soon. He was diagnosed with cancer last year.
Pete Romano, in his native Saugatuck.
I was honored to consider Pete a friend.
Of course, I was just part of a very long, and extremely varied, list of friends. A typical Pete production — his LandTech holiday party — was filled with everyone you could think of: business associates, clients, town officials, sports figures, random folks from every part of Westport life.
Pete greeted us all as if we were the only person in the crowded room. When he asked “How are you doing?” he really listened to the answer. He got everyone a drink, personally. And then he introduced every person to someone they didn’t know, but who was also part of Pete’s world.
Pete Romano was the ultimate people person. There can be no greater tribute than the number of people whose lives he touched — even the few he did not know.
In 2016, Pete Romano participated in Elderhouse’s “Dancing with the Stars” benefit. He raised over $15,000 for the adult day care center.
In 2006, as head boys soccer coach at Staples High, I led a project to “terrace the hill” at Loeffler Field.
Pete donated his time, energy and expertise to the project — as he had to so many others over the years, and continued to do for years thereafter.
He provided the engineering. He sourced the 10 tons of granite from Gault (at a very good price). He oversaw the process.
And he waved off every bit of thanks. “It’s for the kids. It’s what they deserve,” he said quietly.
Generations of players and fans have benefited from that project. It was small potatoes to Pete; he did things like that every day, all his life.
But it was Pete Romano, to the core.
=================================================
In 2019, Jeff Seaver nominated Pete Romano for our “06880” Unsung Hero feature. He had been friends, and worked with, Pete for 7 years. Jeff’s words are as appropriate now as they were then.
Walking around town with Pete Romano is like going for a stroll with the mayor: folks say hello everywhere he goes. Pete’s well known not just for his expertise in running Landtech — an engineering and environmental firm on Riverside Avenue — but also for his community service. His reputation spans generations.
His father, PJ Romano, grew up in Westport. He was a PAL volunteer for almost 50 years. The athletic field behind Saugatuck Elementary School is named for him, honoring his role in developing PAL’s football, baseball, wrestling and other programs, including the ice rink at Longshore.
Pete’s mom, Joan Romano, still volunteers with PAL. That spirit continues, as Pete maintains a strong family tradition of service.
Pete played baseball and football at Staples High School. His mom recalls that Pete “would knock a player down, but then afterward, stop to help pick them up.”
Working with his longtime friend and partner at Saugatuck Sweets, Al DiGuido, Pete is one of the forces behind DiGuido’s legendary Al’s Angels charity. Last year, Pete helped organize and oversee over 2,500 holiday meals to help those in need.
Pete Romano (left) with his mother Joan, and Al DiGuido, at Saugatuck Sweets.
Al DiGuido said, “I have never thought of Pete Romano as a hero. I doubt he regards himself that way. He just has a tireless passion for doing the heavy lifting for those in need, which inspires me and so many others.
“Pete doesn’t seem to need or want the spotlight. He’s not looking for trophies, awards or accolades. I think he does this because it’s in his DNA. His family has always been committed to doing all they could to help the community. Some are content to sit on the sidelines, but Pete gets his hands dirty doing the hard work that is truly needed.”
But Pete has a superhero alter ego. Every Christmas he plays Santa Claus. He arrives on a Westport Police patrol boat at Saugatuck Center, lighting the tree and entertaining kids.
Here comes Pete — er, Santa Claus!
His good works could fill a book. They include being a major contributor to the renovation of the Westport Weston Family YMCA, and helping sponsor events for the American Cancer Society, Project Return, Elderhouse, Operation Hope, Westport Rotary, Little League Softball, plus many other local causes.
Bill Mitchell has been a pal of Pete’s for many years. They support many of the same causes, including Operation Hope and Project Runway. Bill notes, “Pete and his family have been a gift to our community.”
Steve Smith, Westport’s building inspector, said, “Pete Romano is a successful community leader who is generous and always willing to help out a community cause. He has given his time to our town unselfishly — and always with his characteristically great sense of humor.”
Phil Cerrone, an architect who has partnered in a number of efforts with Pete’s firm, said, “Pete is one of the most caring and considerate people I know. He can always be relied on to help a friend in need. Just as important, he can also be counted on to supply top quality food and drink!”
One of Pete’s most treasured causes is Wakeman Town Farm. Pete often joins with his friend, architect Peter Wormser, scooping ice cream at the Farm’s special events.
Pete Romano and Peter Wormser, at Wakeman Town Farm.
Pete always has time for Westport schools. He and his firm helped create the night lights at the Staples High School football field, the fields at Bedford Middle School, and the Loeffler Field terrace (granite seating on the soccer field hill).
He is a generous supporter of Staples sports teams, Staples Players and middle school theater productions, the Staples robotics team, and more.
Pete’s firm collaborates with Gault Energy on many projects. Gault family members are effusive in their praise. Ginger Gault and Jimmy Donaher say, “He has keen insight to go along with a big heart, and on top of everything else, he’s hysterically funny. Pete is the complete package.”
He is especially proud of his 2 daughters. They went through the Westport School System, and are now smart, vibrant, strong women. Pete said, “They got the best public education one could dream of. How do you ever repay that debt?”
Pete Romano
Pete celebrated a birthday recently. As with many hard-working and generous folks, one of the hardest challenge is figuring out what to give them.
What do you give a man like Pete Romano who does not have everything, but gives everything?
The only answer is: love and genuine appreciation for all that he does.
May his memory be a blessing. He was a lovely man…
AMEN!
So sorry to hear this sad news, Pete was a wonderful human being and a consummate professional. Big loss for the community.
This is terribly sad news. Westport can count many icons in its history, Ed See, Albie Loeffler and Alan Raymond to name just a few, and Pete joins that list. Pete and Robin Tauck came to Sun Valley to ski soon after I moved here, it’s only one of the many Pete related memories I’ll treasure forever.
Dan, thanks so much for posting this. Pete told me how much he valued your friendship, and what a blessing you are to all Westporters… Although many of us knew Pete was sick, and in the final weeks that he was not likely to recover — it’s so odd how one can know something dreadful is coming, yet still be shocked when it happens.
We will all miss Pete’s quick and raucous laugh, his lightning-quick and razor-sharp wit (he had a sign behind his desk: “American Sarcasm Society — Like we need your support,” and how that contrasted with his generosity of spirit, time, and hard work, whenever he could help folks in need.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Pete’s family and friends…
Thank you for sharing this, Dan. Pete truly valued your friendship, and it means so much to see him remembered with such care. He was one of the most generous people I have ever met, and working with him at LANDTECH was an absolute honor. I feel incredibly grateful to have learned from him and to have been part of something he cared so deeply about. Your words perfectly reflect the impact he had on so many of us.
Beautiful Emma, and thank you Dan for the marvelous tribute to a magnificent contributor to our town.
Pete was one of my all time favorite Westporters and just an all around great man. I think we met when our girls were playing T-ball – and were friends and business associates for all of the ensuing years. Sending much love to his family. May his memory be for a blessing.
OMG! Pete Romano is a larger than life Westporter. My sincere condolences to his family.
Truly a genuine individual who was always willing to give his time and attention to special needs and circumstances. To this day, I have Pete’s handwritten personal note of thanks which reflects his special, caring and thoughtful expression of appreciation. He will long be remembered and recognized by many for all he did and accomplished both personally and professionally.
Rest in Peace my good friend. See you on the other side PJ
Pete was an extraordinary friend, citizen, father and companion. I am fortunate to have been able to count myself among his many friends. I will miss him.
Beautifully done Dan. Those of us who were fortunate enough to know Pete, saw a man who gave so much to our community, and did it with class and a deep caring of people.
When the cameras were off, Pete still shined. Like his father PJ. a Westport legend and human being.
Rest In Peace
I visited Pete in late December. Even then he talked about Westport, friends, and hope. There was a lot to learn from Pete Romano.
Pete Romano was the consummate gentleman and a real town hero. He was always patient and kind whenever I saw him, and he always stepped up to lend a helping hand. He will be missed.
During Covid, my car stalled out in a Covid testing line at Hall-Brooke.
Pete Romano was in the car right in back of me in line. He Immediately pulled around, hopped out and jumped my car. All with good nature, a smile on his face and a joke or two.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Pete, known for his quiet demeanor and unwavering respect, was always heard and valued. He spoke candidly and upheld the tradition of giving back to Westport. His Super Bowl parties were legendary, with attendees eagerly anticipating the halftime show, often falling asleep before it even began.
Unlike the clichéd saying of “he would give the shirt of your back,” Peter’s actions demonstrated his true character. He witnessed a handicapped man struggling to assist his daughter in the water, who had stepped on a seashell and cut her foot. Without hesitation, he abandoned his barbecue, and in dress shoes, buttoned down shirt, and slacks, went into the water to rescue both the man and his daughter.
While we occasionally disagreed and engaged in roasts of each other, our friendship was a cherished bond that I wish I could have maintained for a longer time…that’s when you knew Pete liked and respected you.
Pete’s legacy in this town is eternal and radiant, reflecting the profound impact he had on the lives of those around him. He provided purpose and livelihood to talented individuals, leaving a mark on Westport.
The public space at 575 Riverside where Whelk and Momu is, should be named in his honor.
He would have loved that. Let’s do it.
We would not have Wakeman Town Farm without Pete Romano. He helped us from the very beginning and guided us through our first renovation and recently with the design for the new barn. I called Pete for advice before all our town meetings and he was always so helpful. Every year he supplied the dessert for HarvestFest our biggest fundraiser, he donated pumpkins for our Octoberfest, he scooped ice cream at Family Fun Day. He is and was the farms best friend. My husband, Peter Wormser had an office in Landtech and they worked on many projects together. We loved Pete. He made our town a better place with all that he gave to us. He will be missed by the entire community.
Stunned and very saddened to hear about Pete Romano’s passing. As a life-long Westport, you would certainly know the Romano family members, and you would especially know Pete – such a supporter of the Town of Westport in many ways, big (lots of those from Pete) and small. Even when we found ourselves on opposite sides of an issue Pete’s approach and demeanor would always lead to a thoughtful dialogue.
Westport sorely needs more people like Pete Romano. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy of giving back to this town of ours. You will be missed Pete.
Such sad news. Westport has lost a valued community member and, most important, a good person. RIP
A Huge pillar of the Westport/Saugatuck Community, with a soft voice and large smile. He was a Major Dude, Fer sure! Thank You, Condolences to the Family & RIP PR
David Squires (Staples ‘75)
I’m so sorry for your loss Dan and all the people who knew and loved Pete. I didn’t know him, but your beautiful tribute painted a picture of such a wonderful person and let us all know and love him. May his memory be a blessing.