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Lucas Romano Obituary

Lucas (Luke) Romano
Clifton Park, NY
Lucas (Luke) Romano passed away on Monday, August 29, 2011, at Albany Medical Center after a courageous seven-year battle with Leukemia. Luke was a 17-year old senior at Shenende- howa H.S. Luke's zest for life, charismatic personality, infectious smile and fearless determination to beat the disease won the hearts of family, friends and, in many instances, complete strangers. During his life journey, he inspired many because of his perseverance, generosity and courage. He was determined to never let the disease control his life. He valued family and friends and lived every day to the fullest. By his nature, Luke was a competitor and loved all sports. Prior to bone marrow transplant in 2007, Luke was introduced to the sport of thoroughbred horseracing by Jay and Colleen Cummings. Soon all aspects of the horse racing industry became Luke's passion. He was taken under the wing of Colleen's parents Colum and Jackie O'Brien who are thoroughbred trainers at Belmont and Saratoga. Luke loved spending mornings at Colum's barn and being on the back side of the track. His dream was to make a career in the equine industry. He was the loving son of John E. and Annette Brokx Romano of Clifton Park; caring brother of Jaclyn Romano and Marcus Romano, both of Clifton Park; cherished grandson of Dr. John and Beatrice Romano of Utica and Dr. Peter and Maria Brokx of Hamburg, NY; and dear nephew of Elaine (David) Trevisani of New Hartford, NY, Paul Romano of Johns Creek, GA, Jennifer Romano of Utica, Lidwyn (Edward) Bijnsdorp of Vught, The Netherlands, and John (Katy) Brokx of Hamburg, NY. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, September 2, 2011, from 3-8 PM at St. Edward the Confessor Church, 569 Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park, NY. A service of prayer and remembrance will be observed at the church on Friday evening at 7 PM. All are invited. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 AM at St. Edward's by Rev. Patrick Butler, Pastor. Interment will be in Jonesville Cemetery, Clifton Park, NY. Contributions may be made in Luke's memory to Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer at Albany Medical Center Foundation or Nick's Fight To Be Healed Foundation, care of the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Route 9, Clifton Park, NY 12065. The Romano family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Joanne Porter, Janis Koshgarian, and the entire staff at Albany Medical Center for "never giving up" on Luke and providing immeasurable kindness and compassion during his medical treatment. We would also like to thank the Shenendehowa CSD staff and Clifton Park community for supporting our family during this journey. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Route 9, Clifton Park, NY 12065. (518) 371-5454
Luke Romano

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Published by The Observer-Dispatch on Sep. 1, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Lucas Romano

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BRIAN ROHAN

September 26, 2011

Annette & Family - I was very saddened to hear about Luke's passing. I kept abreast of his progress over the years through the common friends, and he remained in my prayers ... always happy to hear about his good days, and bummed to hear about his bad ones. It is clear that he was a very special kid and was loved by soooooooo many. He will be missed. My thoughts are with all of you during this extremely difficult time.

JOHN BURIGO BARBELLA

September 15, 2011

Dear Annette, John and family,

I didn't know Luke personally but I knew about him through Peter and Maria who kept my mom informed on his condition. His passing really affected us. There are no words to express our feelings right now. You all are in our thoughts,

The Burigo Family, Venezuela

Bobby Nowak

September 12, 2011

John & the entire Romano family,

I am sorry about the loss of your son. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time

MICHAEL BRIGANO

September 8, 2011

DEAR ROMANO FAMILY,
I'M VERY SADDEN TO HEAR ABOUT LUKE. MY GOD BLESS HIM,AND MAY HE KEEP YOU ALL CLOSE TO HIS HEART DURING THIS TIME.
ALWAYS
MICHAEL BRIGANO

Maryellen, Joe, Joseph Boyajian

September 7, 2011

Our deepest sympathy to your entire family. We understand in a small way the loss of a life taken much to early as we too have lost two young extended family members.
Time truly does help. You never forget...ever... but the daily pain and loss are replaced by the love and wonderful memories that you will hold in your hearts forever. We will keep Lucas and your entire family in our prayers. Our son will remember him as a cherished classmate. We ask God to Bless you and to help heal your broken hearts.

Michaeleen Backus

September 5, 2011

Annette and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you....always. I am so sorry.

Lauri Smith

September 5, 2011

Dear Romano Family,

My daughter, Holly, is a classmate of Lucas'. I say "is", not "was" because Lucas will always be in her heart. My first memory of Lucas was at the 8th grade graduation ceremony for Koda. I will never forget the strength and determination Luke displayed when he came up on stage. There was a chair placed so that he could rest if need be, but he completely ignored it. His classmates were so supportive of him. Their love for him was thick in the air around me. Holly has spoken of Luke many times over the years. Please know that Luke wasn't just a child with a horrible disease. He was (and still is) just a normal kid who made his classmates laugh. God bless you all.

Sharon Kistner

September 3, 2011

Dear Romano Family:

We have never met, but my sister Dana was one of Luke's teachers, and over the years has kept me informed about Luke. I have one of the Luke Strong bracelets that has reminded me to keep him in my prayers. Three years ago I lost my own 18 yr old son, Luke, so I understand the heartache you are now experiencing. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers. Hold tight to Jesus - His grace and peace will bring you comfort, even though I know you can't imagine it now. Jesus promises us a home in heaven when we put our trust in Him, and on that glorious day when we are called Home, Jesus will greet us and present back to us our precious boys. That is a promise I hang on to with all of my strength. I will pray for your strength, too.
Sharon Ciotto Kistner
Hamburg, NY

Todd & Marie Castello

September 3, 2011

John and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss, our prayers are with you all.

Todd & Marie Castello

Shane,Cynthia, and Alex Holcomb

September 2, 2011

Dear Romano Family,
We only had a brief chance to meet Lucas at Albany Med. He was our son Alex's roommate. In a very short time he made a great impression on us all. You have so much to be proud of!!! No words can express the sadness we feel for your family. We pray for God to bring you peace and strength.

Andrea Teague

September 2, 2011

Dear Romano Family,
It was an honor to meet Lucas and your family. My deepest sympathy.

Jean Cuttita

September 2, 2011

I heard such wonderful things about Luke, you and your family from Chris and Debbie. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your sorrow.

Beata Lesiak

September 2, 2011

Dear John and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.

shenelle gaston

September 2, 2011

To the Romano Family,
I wish you peace and healing.
Love
Dr Gaston

a mom

September 2, 2011

he is at peace now.god bless you lucas.

fellow student

September 2, 2011

I've never been inspired by anybody as much as I was by him. He was an amazing guy, and although I talked to him only a few times, I thought of him as a friend. Romano family, you have been in my prayers, and will continue to be. <3

Donald Launer and Family

September 2, 2011

Dear Annette and Family,
It was with profound sadness that we learned of the passing of Lucas. We missed your presence at Hillside School but understood and admired your fierce devotion to your son. Lucas touched and influenced so many people in a positive manner. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dean Cassidy

September 2, 2011

Dear John and Family,

Our familys deepest regrets go out to you in your time of sorrow. We can only hope that you cherish the memories you have and that your grieving is as short as possible. God Bless your family and that your son is in heaven not having any more sickness and pain.

With our warmest regards,

The Cassidy Family

September 2, 2011

Dear John and family,

We are all so saddened to hear of the loss of your precious son. Peter called to let me know. I never had the honor to meet your son, but from the memorials in the guestbook, he must have been a very much admired young man. We have so many fond memories of the Romano Family on the hill and are so sorry for the pain you are going through right now. Thinking of you all and sending our deepest condolences.

Lee (Rubino) Tomaino and the rest of the Rubino Family

Cheryl Cristallo- Calicchia

September 2, 2011

John and family so sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you.

santina murine

September 2, 2011

I did not know your son but I do feel your pain. My daughter passed away at the age of 27 and my heart still cries out for her. She had a bone marrow transplant also.

Donald Launer

September 2, 2011

Dear Annette and Family,
We were terribly saddened to hear the news about Lucas. While we missed your valued presence at Hillside School, we understood and admired your fierce dedication to the care of your son. Lucas touched and influenced so many lives. May God bless you and your family. You are in our prayers.

Ciullas

September 2, 2011

Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. Luke was a special person, always caring, smiling, and strong. His admiration of horses should be a tribute to all racing fans, his positive attitude should be inbedded in all involved.
He is with God now, God and he are watching over you as you keep the loving memories burning. Luke will remain in our memories forever.
We love you and trust your angel will help you heal the grief and struggle in the day, years ahead. May he rest in peace. Truely he was an outstanding, courageous, ccompassionate boy.

September 2, 2011

Dear Romano Family,

Our thoughts and condolences are with you all. We didn't knew Lucas personaly but he sounds like a boy with a great spirit. We wish you all the best.

The Kleijne family (written by Henriette, housekeeper of Lidwyn and Ed) Vught, The Netherlands

The Cordell's

September 2, 2011

Dear Annette,
Jimmy came home from Hillside to tell me about Lucas. A parent passed the sad story to him and he shared it with the family. We thought of you and Lucas often and have always missed your presence at Hillside but never forgot the influence you had in our lives. We are sorry for your loss.

nick bonanza

September 2, 2011

dear john and family , i am so sorry for your loss . my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

an Orenda mom

September 2, 2011

I only met Lucas once, but many people in my circle knew him well. He has touched the lives of many in such a positive way.He won't be forgotten. Loving thoughts are with you and your family.

Peggy Leary

September 1, 2011

Dear Romano Family,
The Leary(Fraterrigo) family would like to express our deepest sympathy... We were lucky to know him as a beautiful child and watched him grow into a beautiful young man. Swimming in Delaware, skiing at Gore Mountain and happier days at Camp Hole in the Woods are the memories that he gave our family. His courage and smile,and grace are the gifts that he gave our family. Words cannot express our sadness, and he will be in our hearts forever.
Sincerely,
Fraterrigo Family
Phil, Peggy , PJ, Andrew, & Nick

Carlo Kelly

September 1, 2011

Dear John, Annette, Jaclyn, and Marcus,
We remember such special times with Luke, going back to baseball days when the boys were young. I can just see that big smile on Luke's face. We are all better people knowing Luke. Thinking of you now and always.
The Kelly Family, Mark, Carlo, Miles and Morgan

Laura Schiavi

September 1, 2011

Dear Romano Family - I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and condolences are with all of you.

Girard Plante

September 1, 2011

John and the Family Romano -

My genuine sympathies during this painful time. Do know that your wonderful son, Lucas, has blessed each of you with his selfless love in spite of his struggle to become well.

His indomitable spirit is the inspiration, strength, and courage that shall forever live with all the people that are fortunate to know him.

My daily prayers include you, John, your wife and children and, particularly, your parents and siblings who I grew to know as good and decent friends since the early 1970s.

Eternal blessings as you move on in your unique life's journey, not merely surviving but thriving. Just as Lucas would want.

Peace,
Girard A. Plante

Kerri Sullivan

September 1, 2011

John, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. You are in all of our thoughts and prayers.

Pete Kerwin

September 1, 2011

John and Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

September 1, 2011

Dear John, Annette, and family,
We are sorry for your loss. Our love and prayers are with you.
Don and Emily Powell

September 1, 2011

Dear John, Annette, Jaclyn, and Marcus,
Lucas is so lucky to have such a beautiful family who taught him perseverance, generosity and courage. Our love and prayers are with you all.
Debra, Brian, Brian, and Emily Kingman

Donna Purdy

September 1, 2011

My daughther and I would like to say that we are sorry for your loss and will keep you in our hearts
Donna and Ashley Purdy

September 1, 2011

Dear Romano Family, I remember Lucas as a Ninth grade student coming into the CAPS office after an extended absence to collect all of his missed work--always a smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers are with you all for comfort and strength at this very sad time.
Marcelle Etringer Clifton Park, NY

September 1, 2011

From the Family of Allison Hardy (fellow Shen Student and Downhill Ski Team member). Our deepest sympathies to you all. May the blessings of God be with you during this time.

Maureen Pagano

September 1, 2011

Dear Annette,

I don't think there's a person you have met who hasn't been touched by your attitude and love through the past seven years. I wish to thank you for generously sharing a few pieces of your story with me. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.

Cheryl Flagler

September 1, 2011

Dear Annette, John, Jaclyn & Marcus, on behalf of myself, my mother and Scott, I wanted to express our sympathy on Lucas' passing. We have watched all of your children grow up through Dawn's stories of your vacations and picnics together, and we saw the courageous battle Lucas went through with his illness. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Pemberton

September 1, 2011

John,Annette & Family,
We are very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Carol,Dean Sr., Dean Jr. and Diane

Kishbaugh Family

September 1, 2011

Annette and Family: We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the memories of Lucas give you some comfort. Love Tammy-Scott-Nate-Alex Kishbaugh

Laura Williams

August 31, 2011

Dear Annette, John, Jaclyn and Marcus: We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Laura and Gregg Williams
Elizabeth, Emily, Erica and ElenaMarie

Lisa Antenucci

August 31, 2011

Dear John and Annette,
Words can't express how sorry i am for your loss. Take comfort in the joy he gave to you and you to him. John, I remember your stories of your son and understand what a special young man he was. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless.

August 31, 2011

John, Annette and family, I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers as I have had Luke in my prayers everyday for these last 7 years.
Paula Duffey-Wander

Cathi Barbaro

August 31, 2011

Dear Annette,John Jaclyn & Marcus- Lucas always had a smile for us here in the Health Office @ HSE-even when I knew he was in pain. I will miss him too.

Sharon Mahota

August 31, 2011

Dear John, Annnette, Jacklyn and Marcus,
My heart goes out to you. I know this has been a long and courageous battle. May you find peace in knowing he is beyond pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

Michael and Kathryn Palmieri

August 31, 2011

Dear John, Annette and your entire family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Luke is among the angels now. May God give you strength and know that his heart is full of love for you...

August 31, 2011

I am a mother with 3 children who would like to express my sympathy to you. I hope I never have to go through the difficulties that your family has obviously endured. Your son will be missed not only by your family, but by so many others. He was a special boy. God bless to you.

Freda Laiacona

August 31, 2011

Dear Romano family,
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Melissa Brown

August 31, 2011

Dear John, Annette, Jaclyn & Marcus,
We feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to know Luke the past few years. It was quite evident that he was an amazing son & brother. We will miss his insightful conversations on the soccer sidelines. Lucas has definitely left an everlasting impression on anyone that has ever had the pleasure of being around him. We will forever remember the beautiful smile he always had no matter what he was going through and take comfort knowing that he is now smiling with the angels over all of us. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. May the love of family & friends comfort you.

Our deepest sympathy,
James, Melissa, Dominick & Marcus Brown

Lisa LaBrecque

August 31, 2011

Dear Romano Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Alyssa and Leslie have such fond memories of playing with Luke and Jackie at the Baudanza's house many years ago. They will always remember the hours spent playing in the "clubhouse." We will continue to keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. He truly touched so many people's lives.
The LaBrecque Family

Cindy Marsh

August 31, 2011

John & Annette, I am so sorry to hear about Lucas. It has been a long while since we moved away from Clifton Park, but your family has always been in our heart. You are in our thoughts.

August 31, 2011

Just a stranger expressing my sympathy during this difficult time. You will be in my prayers. God bless!

August 31, 2011

Luke was an amazing person and his courage and strength is such an inspiration to everyone around him and especially all of us who went to school with him; even those who didnt know him. God put him on this earth to change the hearts of the students at Shen and teach us all that every moment is a blessing and never to take anything for granted. Even through his toughest times his smile was contagious. He has inspired us all to be Lukestrong.

Chris & Debbie Cuttita and Family

August 31, 2011

John, Annette, Jaclyn and Marcus - Words cannot express the pain and sorrow we are feeling. Luke was an inspiration to all that knew him. Have peace knowing he is in a better place. His memory will live on forever. We continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace Luke. You will be missed. Lukestrong forever.

August 31, 2011

To the Romano Family,

I never had the honor of meeting your handsome son, but I have followed his journey through my sister Donna, and my niece Kate Essepian. I know the overwhelming feeling of grief that is left with all of you. Luke will certainly help you through these difficult days ahead as well. Though our grief is great he is now with all of the other beautiful angels who have gone before us. I know Sophie will be looking for him! My deepest sympathy to your entire family, and I look forward to the day when we finally meet, and we can share in some nice stories of our beautiful children.

With love, and many prayers,
Dan, and Denise Rossetti
(Sophie's Mom, and Dad)

M S

August 31, 2011

What a handsome, kind angel you have looking after you all. I don't know Lucas or his family but that picture and the write up of his life made me fall in love with him. My heart breaks for his family and friends that lost him. May happy memories sustain you through this devastating loss. A Mom.

August 31, 2011

Annette, John and family-

Sending our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss.

Anna Marie and John Bonafide and family

August 31, 2011

Annette and John, I am so grateful for having "known" Luke through the loving eyes and thoughts of Leslie and Rebecca. Luke's strength, determination and inspiration through the years - and that of you and your family - has touched me in a life-changing way. I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers. Jo-Ann Gejay

Janice Lavigne

August 31, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this unbelieveable loss. I will certainly miss his smile this year at Shen. He was an inspiration to us all.

Maureen Livingston

August 31, 2011

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Maureen Livingston

Jody Diedrich

August 31, 2011

Dear Romano Family,
My condolences to you all. I am praying for you to find strength in knowing Luke is free of pain and his memory is alive in all of you. His love will always reign over your family. God bless you all. You are in my prayers.
Jody Diedrich

Stephen Campito

August 31, 2011

I am soo very sorry for your loss. Luke and my son have been friends since grade school. Luke is everyone's hero and in his short time on this earth became a role model for everyone who had the honor of knowing him.

August 31, 2011

Annette and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Lucas was such an inspiration to all of us. You and your family are in our daily thoughts and prayers. With Love and Sadness, The Nevasini Family

Dawn Cornwell

August 31, 2011

Our whole community was brought together by a amazing boy. Our thoughts are with his family.

The Proctor Family

August 31, 2011

Dear Romano Family,
There are no words...We are all just so sorry for your loss. Luke was and always will be such an inspiration to so many people. He will live on in all of us. For such a little guy he made such a huge impression and left a big 'ol foot print in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Claudine Klein

August 31, 2011

John, My heart is with you and your entire family at this very hard time. I am thinking of you.

August 31, 2011

We are so sorry for your loss and your family is in our prayers. My daughter has gone to school with Luke since kindergarden at Orenda and I have to say she has been truly changed by knowing Luke and witnessing his courageous battle. Over the years she has commented about the fact that she is just in awe of Luke's strength, spirit and perseverance. He will continue to be an inspiration to us all.

The Smith Family,
Erinn, Debbie,Alyssa & Hannah

shen MOM

August 31, 2011

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Christine Krenzer

August 31, 2011

Dearest John, Annette, Jaclyn and Marcus:

We send our deepest sympathay to your family. May God give you the strength to get through this. He was such an inspiring child and touched many, many lives. I too will never forget his smile. Please know that our family is here for you and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love to All,
The Krenzer Family

Julie Jensen

August 31, 2011

As a mother of a child who was under the care of Dr. Porter and the Melodies Center, my hearfelt condolences go out to you and your family. They do their best to give our kids the best fighting chance and sometimes it still isn't enough. I'm sure that Lucas touched many during his arduous journey and will continue to touch many more as time goes on....these kids hold a special place to anyone that even remotely knows what they have endured. May you all find your Peace knowing he'll be looking out for you all. Words cannot express what you all are feeling.

Bill & Donna Shave

August 31, 2011

We are so very sorry for your loss.

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