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Richard Rome Obituary
Richard (Rich) Allen Rome of Milwaukee, Wis., died peacefully on June 16 at the age of 86.
Rich (or Dick) grew up in Milwaukee, WI and graduated from Washington High School in 1956. He married Norma Marie Mousseau in 1961 and they raised their three children in West Allis and Brown Deer, Wisconsin. Rich was an engaged and entertaining father who encouraged his children to be competitive in sports and also served as a Cub Scout Pack Leader. As a husband, he supported Norma's return to school to earn her bachelor's degree in English. While living in the Milwaukee area, Rich worked at a steel mill with Babcock & Wilcox for over 25 years. After the 3 boys left Milwaukee for college, Rich and Norma moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to start a new journey in the Golden State.
In California, Rich and Norma truly enjoyed their new home, taking advantage of all it had to offer. Rich had a second satisfying 25-year career in steel sales at Reliance Sheet & Strip, working with people he truly enjoyed and respected. He cherished his work colleagues and his many industry connections, where his gregarious personality and easy sense of humor were on full display.
His beloved wife Norma passed away unexpectedly in March 2011. Two years later he retired for good and pursued the couple's longtime dream of moving to Hawaii. Rich quickly made new and close friends on Lanikai Beach in Oahu, where he lived for seven relaxing, sun-drenched years. In 2020, Rich moved back to the mainland, settling down in Norton Shores, Michigan near his oldest son.
The son of a professional baseball player, Rich was an avid sports fan. He supported the Bay Area professional and collegiate teams, while still supporting his Wisconsin teams such as the Green Bay Packers and Marquette basketball team. A lover of American classic cars, his first was his beloved powder blue '57 Chevy and his last was a Ford Thunderbird he drove around Kailua, Hawaii.
Richard is survived by his three sons - Jeffrey (Missoule) Rome, Mark (Rita) Rome and Bruce Rome; his sister Patty Rome, brother Tommy Rome and youngest sister Sue (Bill) Marten. He is also survived by 2 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Richard was preceded in death by his wife Norma Marie (Mousseau) Rome and his parents Richard (Hap) and Catherine Rome.
A memorial service for Rich will be held at 1pm on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at the Lee Chapel, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Rich's name to the American Kidney Fund or the American Heart Association.
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American Heart Association
June 25, 2025
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Joe Kaye
June 22, 2025
I met Mr. Rome through my friendship with Bruce. He was the most welcoming and wonderful person I could ever meet. The three of us would go to USF games and his humor and warmth are among my most treasured memories. He really made me feel like part of the family. I´ll miss him a lot.
marion
June 21, 2025
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Bruce Rome
June 20, 2025
Roger Abendroth
June 19, 2025
It was a great day for Reliance Sheet & Strip Co when Dick Rome came aboard. His welcoming, upbeat personality was a perfect fit for my little company. Dick was family oriented and devoted to Norma, but at the same time, he honored the company with enthusiasm and hard work. For twenty-five years his customers were pleased to support Reliance with their business. I will not forget Richie Rome!
Mark Boone
June 19, 2025
Rich was definitely one of my favorites... He always had a warm smile and laugh that will certainly be missed. RIP my dear friend.
Rita Rome
June 19, 2025
XOXO
Rita
June 19, 2025
XOXOX
Rita Rome
June 19, 2025
XOXOXO
Rita Rome
June 19, 2025
Richie, I'm very proud to have had you as my father-in-law. Thank you for always making me feel loved, welcomed & included. You possessed so many lovely & memorable qualities. I will miss everything about you. You've got a special place in my heart. A hui hou. Love always, Rita
Franny Cheung
June 19, 2025
I had the pleasure of knowing Dick through my friendship with his youngest son, Bruce. He had a gift for storytelling, a wonderful sense of humor, and a laugh that could light up a room. It´s easy to see that his vibrant spirit lives on in all of his sons - each one carrying a bit of that special spark that made Dick so unforgettable.
Sending my deepest sympathies and love to the whole family.
Leah Oakley
June 18, 2025
Sweet Uncle Rich,
It was such a gift to spend time and reunite with Rich on the island of Oahu. Is there anything better than family and paradise? I am so grateful he got to meet my husband Miles, we are both so touched by the sweet memories we had with him in Kailua. His story telling and humor will be deeply missed. Love you so much Uncle Rich, thank you for the huge blessing you were in our lives.
Lola Nissinen
June 18, 2025
Dick was a such a cheerful guy, I had the pleasure of working with him, he could sure light up a room when he walked in.
Prayers to his family
Sue (Rome) Marten
June 18, 2025
Dear Rich was the funniest, sweetest, kindest and most supportive brother. What a beautiful life, warm and happy spirit. So thankful that Rich, Norma and their boys came into our lives when we needed them most. Here´s a very young Richie with our dad, Hap, sharing their love of baseball.
Hannah Rome
June 18, 2025
Great Grandpa Rich with Ace
Grateful and thankful for the memories with Grandpa and that he got to spend time with Ace
I know he will be watching over Ace and Dylan
Going to miss our visits and Gramps humor and contagious laugh!
Lindsay Overkamp
June 18, 2025
Rich was an extraordinary man.
I always looked forward to our conversations-he had a gift for storytelling, and his stories often included his beloved sons, his wife, his time in Hawaii, or a favorite sports reference. Every single morning, he greeted me with a warm smile and kind words, and that simple gesture became a highlight of my day.
Though I only had the privilege of knowing Rich for six months, he left a lasting impression on me. I feel fortunate to have shared even that short time with him, and yet I can't help but feel a deep sense of loss. His presence was truly special-genuine, uplifting, and unforgettable.
To his sons: I want you to know that I have many photos of your father, and I would be honored to share them with you. Please don´t hesitate to reach out if you would like copies.
Lindsay Overkamp
June 18, 2025
He was always the center of attention, and with good reason!
Lindsay Overkamp
June 18, 2025
Great Friends and Family at Valentines Day
marion Rome
June 18, 2025
Papa,
Richie was the best.
We talked every Friday night for 20 plus years. Everytime he would say,, There´s my girl. Going to miss that.
We had so great laughs, he told me stories about how he and Norma, first met. The love of his life..
We looked forward to his May visits to see the boys.In between games and lou´s pizza the two of us would go shopping for Koops mustard for Norma and himself.
The last time I saw him. I said this is it.After a few tears he said, let´s meet at the border for coffee.
Rich was a generous loving person. He was one of my besties.
Now you can see your real,Girl, Norma
Love you and miss you.
Marion
Aaron Sander
June 18, 2025
In the short, yet very unforgettable amount of time I spent with Rich, he taught me numerous lessons that I will carry with me throughout this journey of life.
The most important lesson is to love & laugh with everyone around you, especially your loved ones. No matter who he was around or how he was feeling, Rich would make them leave feeling better than they had beforehand. Rich continuously looked out for his friends, family, and the people who worked for him. No matter the connection, you knew Rich had your back.
Every time a family member or his wife came up in conversation, you could tell how deeply he loved and cared for them simply by the sparkle in his eye. Rich loved reminiscing about his beautiful days in San Francisco and Hawaii, and he made sure I knew how gorgeous his beloved wife, Norma was.
We would chat about classic cars and his marvelous 1957 Chevy (such a beautiful color). And although we had our rivalries throughout the NFL season (Go Lions!), we still looked forward to seeing eachother every week (even after the Lions 34-31 win over Green Bay last year ). So from now on, every time I watch the Packers play the Lions, I know Rich will be rooting against my team and I in Heaven.
Rest in Peace, Rich. Such a beautiful soul that will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Thank you for everything.
- Aaron
Colin Rome
June 18, 2025
Colin Rome
June 18, 2025
Lindsay Overkamp
June 18, 2025
He had the best voice, and loooooved karaoke!
Lindsay
June 18, 2025
He could always make anyone laugh
Anne Culver
June 18, 2025
What a lovely tribute. We met your Dad in Kailua and there never was a sweeter soul. Rest in peace.
Cathy Carlson
June 18, 2025
I am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful man. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
I had the great pleasure of knowing Rich when he lived in Hawaii and was coming to NuFitness in Kailua to improve his mobility and strength. When you spend two hours a week with someone, you really get to know them well. Rich was clever, funny, and someone I learned a lot from. He often spoke about his family and the life he had shared with his wife. I respected his values and truly enjoyed his spunky, go-get-´em attitude.
Rich also attended the holiday parties we hosted at NuFitness, so he and my husband got to know each other, too. They were always sharing jokes, laughing, and making the rest of us laugh with their quick-witted comments. I truly enjoyed watching them interact.
Thank you to the family for sharing Rich with all of us in Hawaii-we are better for having known him. Rest in peace, Rich.
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6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444
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