Bob Romanoff

Bob Romanoff passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 22, 2025, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family—his wife of 58 years, Gail; his daughter, Karen; his son, Brian; and his six cherished grandchildren.
Born in Brooklyn in 1939, Bob was a warm, humble, and deeply respected man whose life was defined by integrity, curiosity, wisdom and kindness. He was a mentor to his children and the many people he worked with over the decades.
While he served as President and CEO of Romanoff International Supply Corporation, Bob never led with titles or ego. He led by listening, teaching, and caring deeply about people.
Bob was the second generation of Romanoff International, founded in 1949 by his parents, Barney and Jessie Romanoff.
The business began as Romanoff Rubber Company in a small 300-square-foot loft in New York City, supplying rubber mold discs and custom-built machinery for the centrifugal casting industry. Bob began working in the company at just 13 years old, spending summers and after-school hours learning every aspect of the business from the ground up.
In the early 1960s, Bob expanded the company into the precious metals industry, with a strong focus on manufacturing Romanoff wax injectors, vulcanizers, and other jewelry casting equipment—many of which are still in use today. In 1968, Bob received an invitation from a client in Hong Kong to teach the lost wax casting process. That experience marked a turning point in his career, leading to his first major factory order and sparking a lifelong commitment to international collaboration. During his travels through Europe, South Africa, Middle East, and Asia, Bob built a global network of resellers, many of whom continue to work with Romanoff International today.
After the sudden passing of his father in 1979, Bob stepped into leadership earlier than most. Alongside his mother, he not only preserved the family business but strengthened it—guiding the company through industry changes while remaining grounded in the values of honesty, reliability, and service. Bob's mother remained active in the company until the age of 102, a testament to the family's shared dedication.
In 1989, the company became Romanoff International Supply Corporation, expanding its focus to include high-quality induction casting machinery from Europe and Japan. Bob believed strongly in understanding every product the company sold and placed great importance on after-sales service. He often reminded his sales team, "Know the difference between a job and a goal. Your job is not to sell a machine—your goal is to make sure the client is satisfied."
Bob had a rare ability to simplify complex technical processes and generously shared his knowledge. He was frequently sought out for guidance on lost wax casting, porosity issues, platinum casting, and stone-in-place casting techniques. He conducted countless presentations at trade shows and factories, earning the trust and admiration of clients worldwide.
Beyond his professional life, Bob found joy in nature, traveling with Gail domestically and abroad, taking long daily walks, and pursuing photography.
At 22, he enlisted in the army reserves at Ft Dix New Jersey. He had a fond interest in custom cars. He was the President of a Hot Rod Club in Freeport called the Rod Snappers. He won many trophies for his custom built 1955 Ford Convertible Fairline.
He served his local community as a member of the Lloyd Harbor Village Zoning Board, where he lived for over 40 years, and was a proud member of YPO for 41 years.
Those who knew Bob will remember that every conversation began the same way: "How are you?"—and he truly meant it. He listened with care, offered guidance with humility, and left people feeling valued.
Bob had a profound and lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather of six, trusted mentor, and dear friend. His legacy lives on through his family, his company, and the countless lives he touched.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.