Stephen Andrew Romeo

Stephen Andrew Romeo Jr.
11/20/1953 – 1/29/2026

Stephen Romeo passed away peacefully in his sleep in January 2026.

Stephen was born in Huntington, West Virginia, and grew up in North Carolina. His first job was as a “paper boy” for the Greensboro Record News. His photograph was featured in the newspaper weekly and garnered a great deal of local notoriety.

He attended Page High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he played junior varsity football and was a state champion in the butterfly stroke. Stephen stood out from the crowd—his first car was a hearse, and many of his high school friends loved taking rides in it.

Stephen was a thoughtful, intelligent, and deeply curious man. He valued education, learning, and meaningful conversation, and he approached the world with an inquisitive mind.

Stephen earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of North Florida. He had a strong interest in law, public affairs, and global issues. He was accepted to Georgetown Law School in Washington, D.C., but chose to attend law school at Florida State University, as he dreamed of becoming a maritime attorney.

Those who knew Stephen remember his sharp intellect, sensitivity, and the quieter ways he expressed care and connection. He had a reflective nature and left a lasting impression on people through conversation, insight, and thoughtfulness.

Stephen was a devoted and loving father. He was especially proud of his daughter, who meant the world to him and was always close to his heart. And, of his beloved sisters, with whom he was very close.

An avid chess player, Stephen loved living in Treasure Island, Florida, and in the Riverside/Avondale neighborhood of Jacksonville. For relaxation, he enjoyed taking his daughter on bike rides almost every evening, especially along the St. Johns River overlooking the city.

He is survived by his daughter, Tonya “Tati” Romeo, of Atlanta, Georgia; his sisters, Diana Romeo Ivey, of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Professor Deborah Romeo, of Cincinnati, Ohio; and extended family members who will continue to remember and honor him.

Stephen’s life mattered. He will be remembered for his intelligence, depth, strong empathy, interest in world history, affinity for cats, and the love he held for his family. His memory lives on through the people who loved him and the stories shared in his honor.

He was preceded in death by his father, Steve Romeo Sr.; his stepmother, Nancy Romeo; and his mother, Helen Romeo, of Greensboro, North Carolina.

A celebration of Stephen’s life will be held in the spring. Friends and family are invited to share memories and reflections here in remembrance.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a local shelter or cat rescue in your area in honor of Stephen Romeo.