Robert Roman

Bob was my best friend for 61 years. The memories of our times together are countless. Along with 16 others, we were known as the Clan and met almost daily in the Woo Grotto. I can't recall how Bob's basement replete with a pool table got that name, but there we were. Playing pool, listening to the Beatles and others, harmonizing to doo-wop songs, and of course, parading with the Rough Riders Drum & Bugle Corp. After high school we all began going our separate ways. And although I too moved on, I always kept in touch with Bob. In the more recent past, I frequently visited with him, in Fairview, at his home on Kennedy Dr. for all his years. Like many seniors, we spent countless hours reminiscing about our years in the Clan, our girlfriends, our adventures (and misadventures), and laughing 'til it hurt. And when he spoke about his years teaching 5th grade for 30+ years, he face would light up. He loved teaching, he loved his students, and they loved hm. He would describe his teaching methods, the "learning" games he played with them, and his memories about the many students who were blessed with having him in their lives. I got to know two of them, Bill D. and April KS. Talk about love and devotion; they were there for him during his final years. Caring for him, helping him, loving him, as he did for them in 5th grade and beyond. He never forgot any of his students, and they always remembered Mr. Roman as the best teacher they ever had. He remains to them and me, as a person with a heart big enough for all of us. I'm writing this with tears in my eyes, and a hole within me that will never again be filled. I love you, Bob, Mr. Roman. No one will ever take your place. No one will ever bring me back in time as vividly as you. I cherish those memories, and I will always cherish the loving friendship we shared. I wish you eternal peace, and a place at the head of a heavenly classroom teaching 5th grade angels.

Mr. Roman was my 5th grade teacher in 1995. No one ever surpassed him as the best teacher of my life. His lessons and stories are still regularly shared by me and family/friends. Just this past weekend my sister and I were talking about his class. I love telling people about The Listener and his nickname for me... Westminster (but it that raspy exuberant voice of his). He taught all my cousins as well. We are all so lucky to have been his pupils.