Romeo James Stenta

Romeo James Stenta, 5 years old, of Medford, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 17, 2023, at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Romeo spent over a year battling a rare form of pediatric cancer. He was loving and thankful through it all.
The son of Nino and Chistina Stenta, Romeo is survived by sister and best friend Raya Stenta, Grandparents Antonio and Paola Stenta, Mary Kay McKinney and James & Marie Torto. His Uncle James Torto Jr., Aunts Trisha Torto, Cassandra Torto and Sonya Stenta. Cousins Camillo, Logan & Tyler Torto as well as many extended family members and very close friends.
Born in Binghamton, NY, on October 4, 2017, Romeo was the happiest baby. He was full of smiles and could melt your heart with one look. Romeo was a big baby and he grew quickly, but was always gentle and caring. He was early to crawl, walk and talk and wanted to jump in his jolly jumper whenever he could. He was always very adventurous and enjoyed being outside. Romeo loved driving construction equipment and trips to the orchard to look for animals with Grandpa & Marie. He loved baking cookies with Grandma and catching magic fish at her lake house. Romeo also spent many Sunday afternoons with Nonna and Nonno in their garden. He especially loved Nonna's meatballs and Nonno's cured sausage which he enjoyed regularly. Romeo and his Aunt Cassie were together often and they were always being silly and making each other laugh. He loved to be with his Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Trisha at their house playing with his cousins outside. Romeo also enjoyed playing with his toys with Zia Sonya whenever they were together. He had a great sense of humor and always kept everyone he was around laughing.
Romeo was fascinated by the ocean and the many species of whales, sharks and other sea creatures. He would spend hours playing with Raya and teaching her all about them. He loved to learn and was very inquisitive by nature. Romeo also enjoyed Mario Brothers and Sonic, especially the villains. Watching him play was a truly amazing experience.
Romeo was an early riser and snuggling with Mommy on the couch before starting the day was a must. Romeo and Daddy wrestled, built many projects and always made the best forts both inside and in the snow. During the last year and a half of treatment, there were many special times even though much were spent in the hospital. His strength to push through when he wasn't feeling his best was always noticed. Romeo dealt with more hardships and pain in five years than most people do in a lifetime. He never let anything stand in his way. As a family we took bike rides, visited the zoo, aquariums and parks. Romeo learned how to swim without a life jacket and was so proud of himself for that accomplishment. He also did the best cannon balls. Romeo loved the ocean from an early age. There were many trips to the beach to play in the sand and sit in the waves; which he said was his favorite thing to do.
Once his baby sister "Ray Ray" as he called her was born, Romeo was beyond thrilled. He loved everything about Raya and looked after her always. He was very protective and always made sure she was included and happy. Romeo and Raya had a bond so much stronger than you'd imagine and were always hugging and holding hands. Romeo told Mommy and Daddy at the hospital; I love you so much, but I love Raya more. As parents, we couldn't have been prouder of the love they shared for one another. His last word was Raya and we will carry on Romeo's incredible life loving Raya the way he did.