September 24, 2012
Adam J. (Abie) Roman, 87, of Exeter, passed away Monday evening, September 24, 2012, at the Meadows Nursing Center, Dallas, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Exeter, he was a son of the late John and Eva (Pruschunas) Roman. He was married to the former Eleanor Gratzula Roman, and they would have celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in October.
Adam was educated in Exeter schools and was a proud veteran of World War II, having served in Company A 1st Medical Battalion of the U.S. First Infantry Division of the U.S. Army.
He was a veteran of the D-Day invasion of June 6, 1944, and was awarded many medals, including the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one silver service star and arrowhead, World War II Victory Medal, and Honorable Service lapel button for World War II.
After the war, he worked at Alaimo's grocery store in Pittston and Celotex Corporation in Harding, until his retirement.
After retirement, he then joined employment at the Irem Temple Country Club Pro Shop, where he worked until his second retirement at the age of 85. It was not uncommon to be greeted by Adam with "Hey, Pro," and he was always respectful with a "Yes, Sir" or "Yes, Ma'am"
He was an avid New York Yankee fan and enjoyed playing cards with his buddies, especially Eddie Mislan. In his earlier years he enjoyed a good game of pool and was a member of many dart leagues. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 0938 Port Blanchard; Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 6518, Exeter; Eagles Wyoming Vets and The American-Lithuanian Social & Beneficial Club.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Joseph, Frank, Stanley, George, Peter; sisters, beloved, Mary Capp, Connie McGill and Pauline Chernosky.
Surviving, besides his wife, Eleanor, are his cherished children, Paul Roman and his wife, Debra, of Tunkhannock; Perry Roman and his wife, Jennifer, of Safety Harbor, Fla.; Lisa Roman and her husband, Gene Keach, of West Pittston; Carla DelPriore and her husband, Ralph, of Dallas; grandchildren, Claire and Paul Roman, Tunkhannock; Marissa Roman, Safety Harbor, Fla.; Melanie McKnight and husband Pat, Hershey; Renee Higgins and husband Brad, Albuquerque, N.M.; James Adam; Isabella Del Priore, Dallas; great-grandchildren, Mila McKnight, Hershey; Darryll and Adam Higgins, Albuquerque, N.M.; sister Helen Fliss, Connecticut; several loving nieces, including Edith Capp Mariani of Kentucky; nephews and many extended family pets including Baci, Sasha, Sushi, Olive, Maxwell and Maggie.
Adam was a kind and gentle man who adored his children and grandchildren. He was a great friend to them all and will be always loved and so sadly missed by his family and friends.
"Dad, may you be sitting at the '50-yard line' in the heavens. You will always be our hero."
Military funeral services will be accorded by the AmVets Honor Guard on Saturday at 10:15 a.m. from the Gubbiotti Funeral Home, 1030 Wyoming Ave., Exeter, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, William St., Pittston. The Rev. Paul McDonnell, O.S.J., will be celebrant. Interment will be in St. John the Slovak Cemetery, Schooley St., Exeter. Relatives and friends may call on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 E. Main St., Fox Hill Road, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
Mr. Roman's family would like to thank the compassionate care of all of his physicians, most recently Dr. Ned Carey and Dr. Kilduff, and the staff (nursing, physical and speech therapy) of the Meadows Nursing Center. We will always be so grateful for your loving care you gave to our beloved father.
