Rome Milan

1959 - 2021

Rome Milan
January 29, 1959 - April 23, 2021
Fort Worth, Texas - Rome Milan passed away April 23rd after a 3-year battle with ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease. His gymnastics filled life began as a young gymnast competing for Sokol Fort Worth, then Euless Trinity High School, followed by being the captain of the gymnastics team at his beloved University of Texas in Austin. After graduating, he started his high school coaching career at Weatherford High School then Boswell High School. During those years, his teams qualified for the state championship 14 out of 18 years. After a break from coaching, he returned to finish his coaching career for the Birdville School District until his diagnosis with ALS.
In addition to competing and coaching, Rome was also an international gymnastics judge and also held numerous positions at state, national and international competitions including the Pan American Games, Goodwill Games, World Championships and Olympic Games. He served on the USA Gymnastics Board of Directors and Advisory Council, the Gymnastics Association of Texas Board, and the Texas High School Hall of Fame Committee. As an avid gymnastic historian, he curated a vast collection of vintage memorabilia which he loved to share and display.
He was a lifetime member of Sokol Fort Worth and SPJST Lodge 154. He filled many positions including serving as the American Sokol Southern District Director of Men and on the National Board of Instructors.
While attending the 1972 Summer Olympic Games in Munich, Germany with his parents and brother, the Olympic flame ignited his lifelong love of gymnastics and all things Olympics. He attended a total of 12 Summer Olympic Games and had the honor of running a segment in the Olympic Torch Relay in Rome, Italy before the 2006 Torino Winter Olympic Games. Of his many collections, his Olympic torch and pin collection were some of his favorites. Rome was a pin trader extraordinaire and was known internationally for his collection. While attending the 2016 Rio Olympic Games he was recognized often while proudly wearing patriotic shirts and waving a large American flag at events. He had a knack for being in the perfect spot to show up on camera during television coverage. His many TV sightings prompted NBC to challenge viewers to "Find This Man Everyday" on one of their Olympic broadcasts.
Rome was an established impressionist artist whose artwork was represented in several art galleries across the country. Many knew him as the artist that would paint in the window at Milan Gallery in Sundance Square, always wearing one of his many crazy hats and listening to The Beatles.
A surprise performance was held in Rome's honor on April 18th at Sokol Fort Worth by a group of former gymnasts, friends and family members. A special routine was choreographed for him with songs from The Beatles. He watched the routine and saw many friends and family who were there to show their support.
Rome was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Matisse Milan. He is survived by his wife, Pauline; children Paris, Sydney, Athens, stepson Matthew David and Caity Gregory. He is also survived by his parents Jerry and Henrietta Milan, his brother and travel companion, Tal and wife Lesli, and his special Czech sister, Vera Janeba. Rome leaves behind a huge family of "favorite" cousins.
Rome was truly one-of-a-kind. His infectious enthusiasm touched the lives of so many people in ways far greater than gymnastics or painting. Many, many will feel his loss.
Remember Rome – A Tribute to Rome Milan will be held on Sunday, May 16th at 4pm at Sokol Fort Worth. If you would like to honor Rome with a memorial donation, please consider the Sokol Fort Worth Centennial Foundation, c/o 6500 Boat Club Road, Fort Worth TX 76179 or IamALS.org.