Phillip E. Rominger

Phil Rominger, 79, passed away on May 31, 2006 after an extended illness. Phil was born in Fowler, Ohio to James and Nellie Rominger.
His parents and three older brothers, James, Don, and Paul preceded him in death.
Phil graduated high school in North Lima, Ohio. While a young man, he joined the Merchant Marines and later served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Phil married his high school sweetheart, Geraldine, in November 1945. Together they had a lifetime of memories involving family, friends, community service, church, and travel. After they married, Phil and Gerry lived in Ohio while Phil attended Youngstown University where he studied psychology and law. In Phil's early years of business he grew a number of successful companies and exhibited immense energy, intelligence,business prowess, and fairness. After moving the family to Erie, PA in the late 1950's and early 1960's, Phil and Gerry moved their family to Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 1964. Phil lived there until his passing in May. Phil had great success in Chapel Hill with both residential and commercial construction and real estate as well as other business interests. He was a well-loved member of the East Chapel Hill Rotary Club, having been a founding member and president. Phil's association with Rotary went back to his early years with the Boardman Rotary Club in Ohio. Phil was always an avid golfer and enjoyed the companionship of fellow Chapel Hill Country Club members socially, on the golf course, and in leadership and growth of the club. Throughout his life, Phil had many charity and community service interests, among them the Masons, the Occoneechee Boy Scout Council, the East Chapel Hill Rotary Foundation, Rotary International, and The Lineberger Cancer Center.
Phil Rominger leaves behind his beloved wife, Geraldine; sons, Tom and Duane, Duane's wife, Jennie; daughter, Marsha Aksel; granddaughters, Evie Aksel and Rachel Rominger; grandsons, Lucas, Patrick and Timothy Rominger.
A church service for Phil was held at Aldersgate Methodist Church and burial was at the Chapel Hill Cemetery, arranged by Walker's Funeral Home in Chapel Hill.
The family asks that charitable contributions be made in Phil Rominger's honor to: the TOMAR Foundation, Inc., 1002 Willow Drive, #70, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514 to benefit the charities mentioned above as well as other children's homes and medical facilities. Mr. Rominger was a significant presence in the life of his family and friends and he will be greatly missed. However, his immediate family is comforted by the sure knowledge that he is free of pain and suffering.