Jacquelyn L. Romano

1934 - 2015

(News story) Jacquelyn L. Romano, a volunteer at the inception of Toledo's Meals on Wheels program and a benefits administrator for the Toledo Public Schools and the former Medical College of Ohio, died Friday in ProMedica Ebeid Hospice Residence in Sylvania.

Mrs. Romano, 81, suffered from Alzheimer's disease, although the cause of death was uncertain, said her daughter, Rebecca Romano Shapiro Minton.

Jacquelyn Romano was born in Sylvania on Sept. 30, 1934, to George and Irene Sawade and was a 1952 graduate of Waite High School.

Although she only had a high school diploma, her "drive to go beyond just clerical work" led her to the Toledo Public Schools, where in the early 1970s she worked as a benefits administrator.

She was adept at handling details of insurance and other benefits for teachers and staff, her son, Daniel Romano III said.

"She helped make sure people were enrolled and made sure they understood their benefits," he said.

"She had a passion for helping people."

Helping her with the thornier issues was her husband, Dan Romano, a private insurance executive, said her son Dan, who was a TPS treasurer during part of her tenure.

Mrs. Romano was recruited to a similar position at the former Medical College of Ohio, now the University of Toledo Medical Center.

While at TPS, she was instrumental in computerizing the insurance process, and the medical college sought her out to help implement its system, her son said.

"They had a very specific need, and she was recruited to help automate it," he said.

When the auxiliary to the Academy of Medicine of Toledo and Lucas County started Mobile Meals, she volunteered for the program, now Meals on Wheels.

The program, which began in December of 1967, was run from St. Luke's Hospital, then in Toledo's Old West End.

Her role "was organizing and doing a lot with the volunteers, getting the drivers," daughter Rebecca said.

Mrs. Romano was an accomplished cook, although when she married her husband, Dan, in 1954, "she didn't know how to boil water," her son said.

Marrying into an Italian family, which included Hungarian and German influences, changed that.

"My grandmother and aunts were amazing cooks," and the cooking tradition was passed on to her, son Dan said.

In retirement, she enjoyed golfing, primarily at Brandywine Country Club, near her home, and Stone Oak Country Club. She and her husband had a home in Fort Myers, Fla., where they pursued their passion for golf.

Surviving is her husband of 62 years, Dan Romano, Jr.; daughter, Rebecca Romano Shapiro Minton; sons, Daniel Romano III and Nick Romano; nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

The funeral is at 10:30 a.m. today in St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, where she and her husband were founding members. The family will greet guests there one hour before Mass. Coyle Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association.

This is a news story written by Blade staff writer Jim Sielicki. Contact him at jsielicki@theblade.com or 419-724-6050.