Michael Romano

1938 - 2023

Michael Romano

Aug. 27, 1938 - Mar. 31, 2023

Michael Romano, 84, of Waco, entered the gates of Heaven on March 31, 2023, after a valiant fight with cancer and an acute illness. A service and mass will be conducted Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 11 a.m., at St. Jerome Catholic Church, with interment to follow.

Michael was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on August 27, 1938, to John and Grace Romano. After moving to Biloxi, he developed a love of fishing. Upon high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Germany. After the service, he attended the University of Southern Mississippi, obtaining a BBA in Accounting and Real Estate. He moved to Waco in the late 1960s, where he met the love of his life, Sharon. They were married for 51 years and had four daughters. He was a hero to his children, and his love was unconditional. Michael worked for The Sovereign Management Corporation for 29 years, while also managing his own real estate business as a Broker. He loved people and enjoyed visiting with his tenants at RPI storage. He was a lifetime member of The Knights of Columbus and was a lectern at St. Louis Catholic Church for ten years. Michael and his wife were founding parishioners of St. Jerome Catholic Church, and he remained active in his faith until his passing. After he retired, he and Sharon traveled to Europe, visiting many religious sites in Italy, Sicily, and Spain. Michael was a talented handyman and could fix just about anything. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, gardening, and had a passion for photography. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He had a servant's heart made of gold. Michael was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, John and Grace Romano; his beautiful daughter, Tamara; and his brother-in-law, John Blackburn Jr.; and many beloved aunts and uncles.

He will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Sharon; grandson, Spencer Romano; daughters, Nikki Oates, husband, David, and grandson, Owen; Christi Tharpe, husband, Kelly, and granddaughter, Mia; Gina Jones, husband, Greg, and grandchildren, Giuliana and Garrett; sister-in-law, Karon Phelps; and nephew, John Surley.

Pallbearers will be David Oates, Kelly Tharpe, Greg Jones, Spencer Romano, and John Surley. Honorary pallbearer is Owen Oates. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Chakmakjian and his team at Texas Oncology for their compassionate care for over 15 years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shepherd's Heart Food Pantry, Salvation Army, Caritas, or a charity of your choice.