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BORN
1929
DIED
2015
FUNERAL HOME
Romano Santina Obituary
Born April 14, 1929 in Pieve S Paolo, Lucca, Italy, Romano immigrated to America at 19 years of age in 1948. He came here to join his uncle, Adolph Della Santina at Original Joe's II in San Francisco. In 1954, Adolph opened Marin Joe's and Romano joined him. Soon after he became a partner and 61 years later the restaurant is still family owned and thriving.
In Italy, Romano met the love of his life in 1947 and followed her to America. Along with her, he leaves behind four children; Paul, Joanne, Tina and Ralph, their spouses, 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; and also leaving two brothers, family and friends in Lucca, Italy. There was no man who cherished and loved his family more than Romano. He was a proud Italian American and his involvement in the Italian American community ran deep. In 1984 he was bestowed the highest honor given to an Italian civilian, Cavaliere Dell'Ordine della Republica Italiana. He cherished his American citizenship, yet never lost his pride of his Italian heritage. He instilled this trait in his family and shared it with his friends and community. He was honored with numerous accolades and one of his proudest moments was being honored with the prestigious award of Man of the Year from the National Italian American Foundation. Romano was an extremely generous man who gave of himself to many clubs and foundations. He was the first President of the Lucchesi nel Mondo, San Francisco chapter and a member of Boys Town of Italy, Unico National, San Francisco Italian Athletic Club, Cristoforo Colombo Club, Scaccaipensieri, I.C.F. Branch 161 of Larkspur, Corte Madera Lion's Club and many others. He received great pleasure participating in these organizations.
Romano was blessed with wonderful memories that were centered on love, food and wine. He cherished family and friends, customers and patrons and lived a life full of traditional values. He was a loyal friend and a kind and compassionate man. He was loved by all whether here in America or walking the streets of Lucca. His life accomplishments left his children and grandchildren wanting to work harder to succeed more. Romano was the glue of his family; and along with Maria, taught his family the values which will be passed on for generations. Although hard work and building a business were prominent; to smile, to laugh, and to love family always came first. He was a strong man; one to acknowledge, one to live your life after, and one to never be forgotten. His smile will never leave our minds, and his love will never leave our hearts.
All are welcome to Saint Raphael Catholic Church in San Rafael on Sunday, July 19th 2015 for a Rosary at 4:30 P.M. and on Monday, July 20th at 11 A.M. for the Funeral Mass Celebration. Memorial contributions made be made to Hospice by the bay 17 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Larkspur, CA 94939 OR Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org
Monte's Chapel Of The Hills
San Anselmo (415)453-8440
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Romano Santina
Sponsored by Monte's Chapel Of The Hills.
Kristine Zierolf Ringrose
July 9, 2025
Miss you Romano and Maria.
Elaine
July 10, 2023
Sunday, July 9th.
You're still in my thoughts, heart and memories at your restaurant Romano and also your wife, Maria. Miss you, miss you and your beautiful singing at the piano.
Elaine
July 11, 2022
Saturday July 9th
Thinking and missing you as always, Romano my friend. You are always in my thoughts. And sure miss your delicious Cardone.
Elaine Tobener
Elaine T
July 9, 2020
Romano. Thinking of you today as always and missing you at your Restaurant. You're in my thoughts as always my friend and always will be..Miss you..
Elaine
Elaine
July 9, 2019
Dear Romano,
You are very deeply missed. You are in my thoughts all the time. Miss you're singing at the piano and all your kindness to everyone my friend.
Jeanette Bruciati
July 9, 2019
OUR SON MICHAEL BRUCIATI WHO HAS DOWN'S SYNDROME AND NOW HAVING BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH ALZHEIMER'S IS ROMANO'S BIGGEST FAN. HE CAN'T REMEMBER EVERY THING BUT WE CAN NOT PASS MARIN JOE'S RESTAURANT WITHOUT MICHAEL ASKING ABOUT ROMANO. MICHAEL HAD EVERY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION SINCE THE AGE OF 3 AT MARIN JOE'S RESTAURANT AND ROMANO WAS ALWAYS THERE TO GIVE HIM A BIG HUG AND LOTS OF ATTENTION. MICHAEL IS 48 NOW AND STILL TALKS ABOUT THOSE BIRTHDAY'S. HE IS STILL ASKING ABOUT THIS WONDERFUL MAN THAT EVERYONE LOVED.
Elaine
April 14, 2016
Happy Birthday, Romano. You are in my prayers, thoughts and heart each day that goes by which you'll always be. You are terribly missed my friend.
Happy Birthday my friend.
Elaine
August 9, 2015
It has been 1 month today Romano, since you have been gone. You are still in everyone's heart, thoughts, prayers and terribly missed.
July 30, 2015
Romano was a wonderful man with an engaging smile and uplifting personality. Dining at Marin Joes was like being with family, that's how the Della Santina family made you feel and how good the food was. I have many fond memories of eating there with my late father and Romano's good friend, Henry Brocco.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Carolyn Brocco
Rhonda (Smith) McCormick
July 24, 2015
Sorry, I see I spelled my mother's name incorrectly - it's Dorothy Smith!
Larry & Susie Carpenter
July 24, 2015
I didn't know Romano real well but one Christmas Eve day we had a large family lunch at Joe's. Paul was giving T-shirts to the kids when Romano ask Paul, in Italian, why so generous to people he didn't know. Paul explained to his Dad, in Italian, who the rest of my family was.
After that Romano brought out bottles of wine, hats and aprons, That's the Romano we remember.
Our Love and thoughts are with Paul and the rest of the family
Rhonda (Smith) McCormick
July 23, 2015
I grew up in Mill Valley and my brother Woody and I went to Marin Joe's with our parents, Woodley B. and Doroty Smith, as well as my Aunt Irene Astley so often over the years. Romano was always so happy to see our family, and would always come to our table to visit, give us hugs, and ask about how we were doing. Because I was young, I always got a "Shirley Temple" drink from the bar! The food, the service, and the atmosphere were always excellent - our favorite restaurant!! We continued to go many times over the years. My parents, brother, and Aunt are all gone now, and I moved to Honolulu, Hawaii in 1992, but I always stop at Marin Joe's whenever I can during my trips back to Marin when I visit. My heartfelt condolences to the whole family. Aloha Romano - you will be dearly missed!!
John Burns
July 21, 2015
Having lived in Marin County for many years,i got to know Romano pretty well, he was a class act in every way, my condolences to his family,
and R.I.P. You will be missed.
Karen Laffey
July 20, 2015
Romano and Maria celebrated Tina and Ralph's 8th grade graduation at St. Patrick's School in Larkspur with their famous bar-b-que hamburger recipe. I'll always remember his big smile when everyone was having fun. His presence in the community will be missed and my heart goes out to the generations of family members whom he loved.
Christina Ramirez (Peirano)
July 20, 2015
Romano and Marin Joes have been an integral part of my life since my brother started working there 40 years ago. May he rest in peace and may the family find peace with his passing. Blessing on you all.
Roger Levy
July 19, 2015
Dear Della Santina Family
Romano was a part of our lives for so many years. Our children, nephew and grandchildren grew up there. They all went from ordering "just plain pasta" to the real deal- the steaks, fresh fish and their favorite-the special burger So many family events have been shared with you and your sons at Marin Joes. You always were a true gentleman giving roses to all the ladies on Valentine's and Mothers Day. You wil be missed by all your family, friends and customers. And you will be especially missed by the many community organizations and institutions that benefitted from your kindness and support. Our heartfelt condolences to your loved ones. Lynn and Roger Levy
Patti Kozak-Ferrera
July 19, 2015
Maria,Paul,Ralph,Joanne & Tina,
So many fond memories of Romano. All I know is he showed us all how to live life..with Love of Family, Love of Friends & always kindness to everyone. Love & comfort to the you all.
July 19, 2015
You will be missed boss.seth
jeannette Rawson/ Caress
July 18, 2015
So many wonderful social memories at Marin Joes..Corte Madera. Thank you, Romano. My very deepest condolences to the Romano family.
July 17, 2015
Paul, Bill Corsi for some reason earlier today I found myself thinking of and about your father don't know why just was and it was good thoughts I might add sorry for your loss please give your mother a hug and my condolences...916 783-7597 and along with my thinking of your dad I thought to myself I'd enjoy stopping by to see you after all there was a friendship there , thank you for yours corsi...out.
Kathy Bottarini
July 17, 2015
Dear Della Santina Family. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Romano coming into the Bank to make his weekly deposit for the Restaurant, the money, strange as it sounds had a wonderful smell of the Italian food that was prepared at Marin Joes. Being of the Italian Heritage, and my Mom also from Lucca, it brought back so many happy memories. RIP Romano, may you be up in heaven making all those wonderful Italian dishes for everyone up there. God Bless you and your family during this difficult time.
E. K.
July 17, 2015
Much love to the Della Santina family. Romano's legacy will live on, and continue to bring happiness to a grateful community.
God Bless.
Cathleen Guerrini
July 16, 2015
On behalf of myself and my entire family I would like to extend our condolences to the Della Santina family on your recent loss of such a loved one. I am hoping that Romano can once again take up the debate with my Dad Frank Guerrini, Sr. up in the heavens, as to the merits of whether the Genovese Cuisine exceeded the virtues of the Cuisine of Lucca....it was a debate that went on for years at Marin Joes and I suspect will some how continue....
Sincerely, the Guerrini Family
July 16, 2015
Dear Della Santina Family, Our sympathy is from our heart to all of you. We met your Dad when we moved to Marin in 1973. He always made us feel like Family when we had dinner at Marin Joe's Restaurant. Our special needs Son Michael always would get a big hug from Romano and lots of attention. The years have gone by but the memories will always be cherished. We will always remember his big smile and big heart. God Bless all of you. The Bruciati Family, Ron, Jeanette, Michael, John and his Family.
July 16, 2015
I was so very sorry to hear of your Dad' passing what a wonderful man and he will truly be missed. Kathy Pickens
Katie Wigington
July 16, 2015
Dear Paul & Della Santina Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Romano was a lovely man, so charming, and he remembered everyone. My condolences to your family.
Michael Bagarozzi
July 16, 2015
Dear Ralph, Lucia, Joey & Paulo,
Our deepest sympathy to you all. We are thinking of you all during this difficult time. Wishing you all strength and peace.
The Bagarozzi Family
July 16, 2015
Romano was a great guy and a friend of my Dad (Tom Umphreys) since the 50's. I'll miss him dropping by my table when I dine at Marin Joe's. -Denny Umphreys
July 16, 2015
The Giono Family grew up with Romano and Marin Joe's. My Dad and Romano were great friends and even my Mom baby sat Ralph in Lucca one summer when they met Romano and Maria while they were all there. Romano always had time to stop and talk with us. He will be missed.
Kathleen Giono
Ernie Giono
Ron Lake
Leon Radomile
July 16, 2015
Always supportive and generous in promoting Italian culture, heritage and language. A proud son of Lucca. He will be missed.
July 16, 2015
Ralph, Lucia, Joey and Paolo,
Our deepest symphathy on the loss of your father and grandfather. You're all in our prayers.
Gene, Chrissy and Joey Telucci
Steve Powers
July 15, 2015
To all of u I really feel blessed to know him. What a man. God bless him and all his family. With love
July 15, 2015
Romano was a wonderful man who will be sorely missed. So full of life and happiness. God Bless to Romano and his loving family.
Good times at Marin Joe's...
Jim Henderson
July 15, 2015
Ann Goforth
July 15, 2015
ROMANO, WE CELEBRATE YOU AND YOUR LIFE, so beautifully lived! We will forever treasure your friendship, loving spirit, and the many great times we shared, whether in Lucca or at Marin Joe's. Blessings to an exceptionally wonderful family: Maria, Paul, Ralph, Joanne, and Tina.
With love, Jim and Ann
Louie Losada
July 15, 2015
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Della Santina family. May he rest in peace and in the hands of God
July 15, 2015
He was a very kind man. We went to the restaurant April 1962 with my baby daughter and husband. We moved to marin that year. We have been to the restaurant a million times. Had a rehearsal dinner there for a wedding. Many many happy dinners. Birthdays, anniversaries. Sometimes twice a week. He will be missed. Our love and prayers to the family.
Kristine Zierolf & Rhody Ringrose
July 15, 2015
God Bless, Romano...thank you for being a part of both of our family memories for so many years. Thank you for all the dances at Boys Town of Italy annual Gala.Thank you for all the homemade Zabaione!
Maria and family: please know you have our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers.
Annie Vella
July 15, 2015
Dearest Della Santina Family, God Bless You All, my thoughts and prayers are with you xoxo
John Lucchesi
July 15, 2015
Rest in peace my friend
July 15, 2015
Our condolences to your family at this sad time. We know you will cherish the wonderful memories of family times, and will continue family traditions. Wish you the best.
Ron and Marigrace Parker
Cathy Barsotti
July 15, 2015
With sympathies to the Della Santina Family; Maria, Paul, Joanne, Tina, Ralph, & their families we send our condolences & pray you will find comfort in memories you shared with him. Sincerely, Cathy Barsotti on behalf of Enrico Barsotti.
Elaine Tobener
July 15, 2015
I am soooo very sorry for your loss. My prayers, thoughts and heart are with Maria, Paul, Ralph and all of the Della Santina family. Romano was a wonderful, sweet man. I shall miss him considerately like everyone else that knew him. I shall miss him when he used to now and then, sing along in Italian at the piano. I lost my brother a year ago and my heart is broken and my tears have not stopped falling. And I will do the same for Romano. It's so hard to accept changes in life.
With my deepest sincere condolences to his wonderful family.
May God be with you and comfort you are this hard time.
Jim Henderson
July 15, 2015
My profound sympathies to the Della Santina Family. My wife and I had the good fortune to have met Romano and Maria 15 years ago. The four of us built a friendship. Knowing the Della Santina`s and their great kids has certainly enriched our lives. Romano and Maria....you will never know how much you taught me by your fine example, helped me when I was in need...and how much it was appreciated.
RIP Romano
July 15, 2015
My deepest sympathies to the Della Santina Family, especially Maria and Ralph ... you are in my thoughts, Romano was a wonderful man and he will not be forgotten. Leslie Blumenthal
nancy hall
July 15, 2015
I had the pleasure and honor to work for romano. Romano was a great man. His legacy will live on. My prayers and thoughts go out to Maria,and all of the Della Santina family. God Bless
nancy hall
July 15, 2015
God bless youre soul. Memories of you will forever be remembered. RIP
July 15, 2015
Romano was a great man and touched the lives and hearts of many. He certainly touched my life and I was blessed and honored with his guidance and support. We will all miss him more than any words can convey. With a heavy heart I wish Maria, Paul, Joanne, Tina, Ralph, and all his family my condolences and pray you will find comfort soon in the good memories he has left us. I will miss him very much.
Karen Shine
July 15, 2015
Tina, Maria and the Della Santina Family, my deepest condolences to all of you at this time time of great loss and grieving. Keeping you all in my thought and prayers. What a wonderful man Romano was and what fabulous memories he has left, not only for you - as his family, but for an entire community. May the memories you hold dear, keep you warm at heart, always. RIP Romano.
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