Michael F. Romano

Michael F. Romano, 68, husband of Joanne (Tine) Romano, of Rocky Hill, passed away peacefully at home on August 7, 2023, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Michael was born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut and graduated from Bulkeley High School. He was predeceased by his son, Jay Michael Romano, who will now both be together spreading the joy from heaven, his mom, Marilyn (Coughlin) Romano, his dad, Joseph J. Romano and father-in-law Paul A Tine. He was also predeceased by a brother, John Romano, whom he loved and missed dearly and by his brothers-in-law, Paul Tine, Michael Tine and George Dauphinais.

He will be greatly missed by his beautiful daughter, Nikki R. Fappiano, a loyal son-in-law, Alfredo Fappiano and two wonderful grandchildren, Gia Fappiano and Nico Fappiano, as well as loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Michael loved watching Gia and Nico play sports where he could argue with the referees when he ran out of gum.

He is also survived by a brother Dr. Marc J. Romano and his husband, Attorney Gael Uhlig, his brother John's widow, Jennifer Romano, sisters-in-law, Nancy Dauphinais, Gail Tine, Lucy Tine and mother-in-law Ella Tine. He loved his Torrington family, spending holidays dressed in matching pajamas to Sunday fundays by the pool. Some day you realize that the little things in life are really the big things.

When Michael attended Bulkeley HS, he met Joanne (Tine), his wife of 47 years, when they were both teenagers. They were a loving couple for over 50 years. She treated him like a King. Michael obtained a triple major in accounting, finance and economics from Avila University and a Master's degree in Management from the University of Nebraska. He graduated from the University of Bridgeport Law School. For almost 40 years, he practiced law in Rocky Hill, now known as Romano Parker & Associates. As evidence of their commitment to each other, Joanne worked with him for many years; they were together morning, noon and night. Over the years, Michael was a member of many law related associations: The Connecticut Bar Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the Hartford County Bar Association, the Greater New Britain Bar Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association, the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, the Real Estate Bar Association of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Notary.

He was invited to participate in a blue-ribbon panel sponsored by the Hartford County Bar Association to review, amend and update its closing customs and on the CBA Model Contract drafting committee. He is on the Executive Committee of the Connecticut Bar Association's Real Property Section and the Professional Discipline Committee and is a Past President of the Greater New Britain Bar Association.

Additionally, during his law career, he has authored many law related publications:

He co-authored "Commercial Real Estate: Purchase and Sale" for the Third Edition of the Connecticut Bar Association's CONNECTICUT LAWYERS' DESKBOOK, A Reference Manual; he was a regular contributor to Connecticut Lawyer magazine's "Connecticut Professional Discipline Digest"; he wrote the curriculum for realtor continuing education courses for use by the University of Connecticut in Real Estate Law, Contracts, Ethics, Closing Problems, Real Estate Finance, Public and Private Roads and ROW's, and Construction Law. He has instructed the Real Estate Law course for the University of Connecticut evening division and lectured for many other private real estate schools and agencies. Michael had the pleasure of representing many prominent developers in sub-divisions, hotels and various commercial projects.

For most of his life, Michael was involved in youth basketball. He coached St. Augustine CYO teams, East Catholic HS teams and many town and travel teams. Michael was one of the original founders of the Northstars Basketball Club and held the position of State Boys Basketball Chairman for the Amateur Athletic Union for many years. He was instrumental in many young men and women having the opportunity to travel and play ball around the country and around the world. Michael's brother, John, introduced him to the game of golf which he enjoyed immensely in his later years. There were great golf trips with laughter, friendship and comradery.

During his illness, Michael and Joanne enjoyed cooking together trying to duplicate Food Network recipes. This produced many great meals, much laughter and some not-so-edible results.

Michael's family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center for their care and kindness. Michael was always grateful for the love and friendship of his family and friends and invites everyone to do one joyful thing to benefit someone else in his memory. In the end, it's not the years in a life that matter, but the life in the years.

Calling hours will be at Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield on Monday August 14, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. A Memorial Service celebrating Michael's life will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 10:00 am in the funeral home, followed by burial in Cedar Hill Cemetery. To extend condolences, please visit Farleysullivan.com.