Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Lena M. Romano

Lena Romano Obituary

SCHENECTADY Lena M. (Cerullo) Romano, 97, of Schenectady, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, July 14, 2005. Mrs. Romano was born on June 16, 1908 in Hazelton, Pa. to Carmella and John Cerullo. She was married to Daniel Romano in 1931 in Hazelton and resided in Amsterdam, N.Y. before moving to Schenectady in 1943. During her years in Schenectady, she and her late husband raised three children. She was employed by the HS Barney Company, the Imperial and Kovars. Mrs. Romano was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Women's Society. She was devoted to her family and her faith. She greatly enjoyed gathering her family in her home, always preparing wonderful meals with warmth and love. She was able to live in her own home throughout her life and, in recent years, was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Sister Geraldine. Mrs. Romano was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel; her parents; her sisters, Phyllis (Cerullo) Bangor, Anna and Adeline Cerullo, and her brothers, Leonard, Louis, Anthony and John Cerullo. She is survived by her loving children, Dr. Robert J. (Kathleen) Romano, Duxbury, Mass., Sister Geraldine Romano, MPF of Schenectady, Dr. John L. Romano of St. Paul, Minn; and her grandchildren, Michelle, Christopher and Jacqueline Romano of St. Paul, Minn. She is also survived by sisters, Carmella Reap of Berwick, Pa. and Marian Allegretto of Hazelton, Pa. as well as many nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements have been made with DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, Inc., 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam. Calling hours will be on Sunday from 4-8 p.m. Services will be held at 9:15 a.m. Monday at the funeral home and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Schenectady. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Schenectady. Memorial contributions may be made to the Religious Teachers Filippini, Villa Walsh, 455 Western Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960 or Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Schenectady.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albany Times Union from Jul. 16 to Jul. 17, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Lena Romano

15 Entries

John Romano

August 15, 2005

Thank you to all of you who made very special tributes to my (our) Mom, and supported us during these last years. We are very fortunate that Mom was with us for so long and, for most of her 97 years, in reasonably good health. Mom was very special and I greatly miss our phone talks, visits, and her thoughtfulness. Now I tend to remember Mom more as she was about 5-10 years ago--full of energy, strong opinions, and always showing much love and concern. Even during her final months, Mom ended most phone calls with me by saying "let me know if you need anything". During the darkest days of her hospital stay in 2002 (recovering from hip surgery), Mom always seemed to have enough energy to whisper "go home and eat--just open the refrigerator--there's plenty of food there". I miss you, Mom. Love, John

Gerry Romano

August 14, 2005

Dear Mom, Through the years you have you have been my life and my best friend. You were my teacher. Your love, wisdom, understanding, and above all your example have helped me in so many ways.I love you so much and words cannot express how much I miss you.

I carry you in my heart and very being. It was a privilege to care for you. Thank you for allowing me to be with you and loving me.

I know you are with Jesus and Mary and all you loved on earth. I know you will take care of us always. I love you and will pray for you always until we meet again in Heaven. Watch over me and guide me. All my love, Gerry

Michelle Romano

July 28, 2005

As long as we can remember, we three kids visited my Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Gerry every summer. The trip was always the highlight of our summers. As the tradition repeated itself every year, we were greeted by our Grandma's famous Italian kisses - you know, the kind where she pinched our cheeks and laid a wet one on us. Once past the Italian kiss and hug, we were on our way to have an everlasting fun vacation! Some of our highlights included -

1. Grandma's famous home-cooked meals. Mind you, they were not our typical rice and casserole Minnesota meals - but instead, we had real Italian lasange, spicy sausage, pepperoni, chicken, egg plant, pitz (ham, egg and cheese pie), salad, macaroni shells, and pizza - to name a few. At every meal - Grandma was always the last one to sit down to eat, because she wanted to make sure everyone had enough food on their plates. Her famous line was - Eat! Have some more - Eat! Eat!? This already fulfilling meal was followed by a wonderful array of deserts - ranging from cake, ice cream cones, red licorice, to home-made rogatta cookies, chips, chocolate bars. Of course, as children, we thought we had died and gone to heaven!

2. The best part of the entire meal was the conversation - this was the time we took to catch up on our lives, reminisce, tell stories and laugh. There was so much laughter and we could tell Grandma was truly in heaven - having the time of her life while surrounded by family who loved her. Even up until six weeks ago when we visited her for her 97th birthday, Grandma always made sure that she was a part of the conversations, by adding her thoughts, smiling and making sure we felt her presence by exhibiting her warm and loving spirit.

3. Some summers, we were exceptionally lucky because we visited during the Mt. Carmel Feast and this was especially special because we don't have Italian Feasts in Minnesota. It was always tradition to go to the feasts with everyone, including Grandma. The highlight of the feasts was the food of course- pitza freitz, ice cream cones, pizza.

4. When we were here over our summer vacations, we felt our Grandma's tremendous love but also, when we were worlds apart in Minnesota, we felt her warmth and care over the miles. She remembered every holiday and birthday, by sending care packages filled with cookies, candies, lou beans, and presents. I am the pickiest grandchild in the family but she always found something (ie dress, nightgown, etc) that I adored and that magically fit me! Her packages were always well received and they added much excitement and joy over our holidays/birthdays.

5. A few times, Grandma even made the trip to St. Paul Minnesota to be with us - the last time being for my MSW college graduation. At this time, she was about 90 years old - and she still wanted to come! It was wonderful to have her included in this celebration!

These few memories can give you a taste of who my Grandma was as a person, friend and Grandmother. There are so many more memories. I really cherish that throughout our lives, Grandma made sure we all knew that she loved us. She had a big heart. With her family near, she loved being the center of attention and she made sure that we knew such. We could smell the delicious aroma of her cooking as we approached her house and even on the brown paper that she wrapped the packages in. We craved tasting her wonderful home-cooked meals and she always made sure we had enough to eat. She tapped into conversations with her beautiful smile, thoughts and stories, laughter and especially at the very end, her desire to sit at the kitchen table with her family - because it was there, that she felt the most content. The greatest gift that Grandma gave to each of us is her eternal love in traditions outlined in here but in many other ways as well. We will always remember Grandma for who she was, what she taught us and the very real ways in which we felt her love.

I love you very much - Grandma!!!!

Jacqueline Romano

July 26, 2005

My grandmother gifted us with providing her unconditional love, under any and all circumstances. To feel so truly loved in such a sincere and honest way is unique. I cannot explain how cherished I felt by my grandmother - how much joy she expressed knowing we were arriving to 1054 Bridge Street, how much she sacrificed to make us feel welcome, always. I am so fortunate to have these memories, which I will continue to share with those around me. My grandmother will forever live with us through the stories we tell. My only hope is that someday I, too, can provide the same kind of unconditional love to my children and/or grandchildren. Thank you, Grandma, for your unconditional acceptance, guidance, and love.

Always, Jacqueline

Sr. Dorothy Di Cristofaro

July 23, 2005

Dear Bob, Gerry, and John,

Sincerest sympathy for the recent loss of the dearest treasure of your life, your loving Mother. You can be so proud of the wonderful, holy, generous, lovely woman that she was, all her 97 years!

As Lena rejoices in the presence of the Almighty, may she think of us from time to time.

Thank you for this opportunity!

May God bless you and yours!

With love and my prayerful support in your sorrow, Dorothy

Sr. Linda Neil,CSJ

July 22, 2005

Lena and Gerry have been part of my life for over 20 years. In the last 6 years,especially, it's been a real meditation on the gift of life and love to watch the 2 of them. The Romano family is a very special group! Love and laughter, caring and giving abound! Love, Lin

Mary Kay Metz

July 22, 2005

It was such a gift for me to be able to be a witness and a participant in the celebration of Lena's life. The power of her love, faith and spirit lives in her beautiful children and grandchildren and for all of us who have had the opportunity to know her. May you all be comforted in your grief and be given joy in your memories of a life well lived.

Kerry Kuhle

July 21, 2005

My heart goes out to all who loved Lena. It is clear as memories of her life are shared that she was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Her spirit will carry on in all of you.

Ve McMahon

July 21, 2005

Dear Bob, Gerry and John,

My deepest sympathy to you on the passing of your mother whom I deeply admired and was so proud to call my Aunt. It was with deep regret that I could not be with my mother and brother as they traveled to be with you but know that you were in my thoughts and prayers!

Love,

Ve

Christopher Romano

July 21, 2005

Grandma, you will always be in our hearts and in our prayers. We love you.

Chris and Kerry

Phil Palladino

July 21, 2005

Bob, We are sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Ninety-seven is a great long life. We hope you are well. Phil and Phyllis

Michelle Romano

July 21, 2005

My Grandma - Lena Romano - has left some wonderful memories! I will always remember her and miss her. I love her very much.

Dagmar Romano

July 21, 2005

It was such a priviledge for me to be able to participate in this sad and yet also celebratory event. Lena was a mom to me for the many years that we spent together. I will never forget her unconditional love, her generosity and her wonderful and abundant cooking! She was the most wonderful grandmother for our children and gave to them, also, the gift of her great love and care. That is a gift which will stay with them for the rest of their lives. I am so grateful that I had the priviledge of her presence in my life. I am also grateful to the entire Romano family for for being so gracious and welcoming of me during this painful time. I will keep you all in my thoughts and heart....

Sr. Mary and Rose Macri

July 20, 2005

It was a privilege to attend the wake and funeral for Lena. She was a remarkable woman who devoted herself to God and her family. All of you are a testimony to this devotion. Although her loss is deeply felt, the knowledge that you will see her and Danny again, is a great comfort that increases with time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Mary Ann Millett Millett

July 17, 2005

Jerry and Bob, I could not resist to touch base and and send you my sympathy on the loss of your mom. She is to be credited with a wonderful life and wonder children as both of you are. Bob I still remember all your kindness to me, and my whole family so many years ago. Jerry I hope you are in good health. Know you are all in my prayers. Mary Ann Millett

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results