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John Romanko Obituary
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather John Romanko passed away peacefully on October 26, 2016. John was born to Demetro and Varvara Romanko on July 2, 1929 in Toronto, Canada, where he grew up in a Ukrainian community and studied hard at school, graduating two years early from high school. He attended the University of Toronto to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics. During his time at the University of Toronto, he married his beloved wife Rose and they had their first of three sons. The three moved to Fort Worth, Texas when John was offered a job at Convair to develop a nuclear powered aircraft.
Convair soon became General Dynamics, then, later Lockheed-Martin. Not only did John rise to the ranks of General Dynamics' top scientist during his 37 years there, he also won the Lockheed Employee Hall of Fame award. Some of his R&D efforts included nuclear and space radiation effects, holographic interferometry and adhesive bonding. John authored over 60 technical publications, including five symposium presentations in foreign countries. He was President and Board Chairman of the Fort Worth Chapter of the National Management Association. John was the Fort Worth Regional Science Fair Board Chairman for a number of years, and, became the Board Chairman for the International Science & Engineering Fair, hosting this important international event twice in Fort Worth.
In his personal life, he greatly enjoyed performing the violin. In Toronto as a youth, he performed in a gypsy band, earning money through high school and college to help pay his way through college. He continued his love of music teaching his three sons to play the violin, viola and cello and John performed with the Fort Worth Civic Orchestra for dozens of years, well into his retirement. He was President of the Youth Orchestra of Greater Fort Worth, where his sons played for many years. For several years, he was a hockey coach for his sons, and, along with his wife, chauffeured their sons around town for competitive swimming events, hockey games, orchestra rehearsals and concerts and many other activities. A proud descendent of Ukrainian parents, John was extremely active in the Ukrainian community in Texas, with heavy involvement in the Ukrainian American Society of Texas for decades, serving as president of this organization for several years.
John is survived by his wonderful wife Rose of 63 years; his sister Sophie; his three dedicated sons Michael, Walter and Terry; grandchildren Lisa, Kristi, Luke, Jonathan, Matthew, Sarah, David and Hannah; and six great-grandchildren, all of whom miss him greatly, but know that he is now with God. Private services will be held at Village on the Park in Friendswood, Texas.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Romanko
6 Entries
Danny Senkow
November 27, 2019
Will see you again John, thanks for helping me out with violins.
November 7, 2016
To Rose and Family: We were all saddened to learn of John's passing. John was a kind, humble and loving friend. His integrity, character and life-style inspired respect and admiration from everyone with whom he came in contact. He actively supported the LMAR and through his connections and his outstanding talent, provided musical entertainment for many of our LMAR events and activities. He has been missed since moving from the area, but his legacy will forever be remembered by those who were privileged to have him as a friend and part of the LMAR family. Rest in peace, John and God Bless!!
We lift up our sincerest condolences and pray that God brings comfort and peace to you during this time of grief and sorrow.
Friends of the Lockheed Martin Association of Retirees.
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Sandra Lonsky
November 6, 2016
I too will fondly remember Him as Uncle John. He was an amazing man. My sincere condolences to Aunt Rose, my cousins and their families. Sandra Lonsky
Sandra Lonsky
November 6, 2016
I also will remember him fondly as Uncle John, he was an amazing man. My sincere condolences to Aunt Rose, my cousins and their families.
Sandra Lonsky
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Dan Stevens
November 6, 2016
One of the most unique 'characters' in my life. I probably would have never taken up violin/viola had it not been for him and he was always conplimentary and encouraging of my efforts in life, whether it was music, hockey, or engineering at General Dynamics and Lockheed. He and my Father both went to Convair around the same time to work on the same project. I'll never forget all those times sitting in his the living room (my 2nd home) playing trivial pursuit with Walter and Terry, with John watching hockey in the next room and him yelling out the answers to the questions if it took more than a few seconds for us to respond. One of the most brilliant men I ever knew, and that is saying something. He will be remembered fondly by many.
Robert Oswald
November 4, 2016
Uncle John as I will forever remember him, was both a friend and mentor.We enjoyed years of banter and conspiracy theories initiated by yours truly. My times with him in Fort Worth, Mississauga and Joe T. Garcia's were always enjoyable and learning experiences. The Sixth Floor Museum (an Oswald favorite) Remington, Stereos, Violins and yes that FW Science Fair always came into play somehow. Uncle John was a long distance uncle and figurehead who I truly admired. We shared countless hours together discussing (arguing in Ukrainian) the value and values surrounding material items (not adhesive charterisics) with a common outcome, he was scientifically correct and a that a good suit was based on net cost, not price. Uncle John always made time for us as a family along with aunt Rose, collectively going out of there way to stay close and intouch with their Canadian heritage. We will miss him and his legacy. Bobbie (Robert J) Oswald and family.
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