On Wednesday, “06880” paid tribute to Pete Romano.
Yesterday, his family released an obituary for the native Westporter, Staples High School graduate, longtime volunteer, generous philanthropist, and beloved friend and neighbor.
Peter Romano died Tuesday, at Greenwich Hospital. He was 70 years old.
After Westport schools, Pete earned a bachelor of science in civil engineering at Roger Williams University. He spent his career in that field, including nearly 30 years as the principal and owner of Landtech in Saugatuck.
Pete was heavily involved and invested in the Westport community. He led the Sons of Italy and Festival Italiano for many years.
He followed in the footsteps of his father and mother, PJ and Joan Romano, as a driving force in the Westport PAL, supporting youth athletics and upholding their motto: “It’s for the kids.”
Pete devoted himself fully to local projects, including Wakeman Town Farm, the Westport Weston Family YMCA, and many athletic fields around town.
He also dedicated countless hours in support of local causes like Al’s Angels. to provide for families in need.
Pete was consistently recognized as a community leader. He was honored at the Westport YMCA Faces of Achievement dinner alongside his father, and was named an :06880″ Unsung Hero.
He also served Westport’s youth as Santa Claus for many years at Longshore, the VFW, and by boat in Saugatuck Center.
Pete lived for hosting parties and entertaining others. He made every celebration one to remember, and enjoyed connecting people. He never missed an opportunity to hold the microphone.
More than anything, Pete showed up for the people in his life. He would do anything to help a friend or stranger.
Pete was a devoted son, father, grandfather, and brother. He is survived by his mother, Joan Romano; daughters Christen Romano Lert (Jordan) and Mary Kate Romano; sister Pamela Gorman (Robert), and grandchildren Olivia and Roman Lert.
A funeral is set for Friday, February 13 (11 a.m., Assumption Church). Interment will be private. A celebration of Peter’s life will be announced at a later date. Condolences in memory of Peter may be left online here.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s name may be made to Westport PAL. Click here, or mail to Westport PAL, PO Box 3222, Westport, CT 06881.
I didn’t know Pete, but I think his Dad may have taken over coaching the PAL/Pop Warner football team I was on in the early 60’s, 1963 I think, following George Fasolo. Am I remembering that right?
In any event, PAL football was one of the great times of my Westport life.
I only lived in Westport for my Jr year at Staples in ’66’ ’67 but we all were such wonderful influences on each other at that time
Damn. Too soon. As a modern-day Westport mensch, right up there with Allen Raymond. Also, a nice guy. RIP.
We saw Pete at Coffee An’ one day, and he made a point to go out into his car and come back with some Saugatuck Sweets gift cards for the kids in the diner. Such a kind and generous guy – he’ll be missed.