Anthony J. Romano
1942-2014
Of Tewksbury and West Yarmouth, MA
Anthony (Tony) Romano, beloved husband of Nancy (Lambert) Romano whom he just celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with this past July, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2014 surrounded by his cherished family at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, MA.
Tony was born in Waterbury, CT son of Pasquale and Mary (Colandrea) Romano and grew up in Springfield, MA graduating from Springfield Technical High School. He graduated from Fitchburg State College in 1964 where he met and married his best friend Nancy. He received his Masters Degree from Northeastern University in 1969.
Tony retired as the Principal of Tewksbury Memorial High School in 2002 after 38 years of service. After his retirement, Tony was employed as the Assistant Principal of Lowell Catholic High School.
Tony’s love of basketball began as a high school coach at Tewksbury Memorial High School and led to 7 years as head coach at the University of Lowell. For 23 years Tony worked as program director for Boston Celtic’s Red Auerbach Summer Camp. He was a basketball official with IABBO #95 for over forty years and served as the Merrimack Valley Conference and Dual County League Assignor of Basketball officials.
In 2008 Tony became an Assistant Director at the MIAA with executive responsibilities for the sports of basketball, volleyball and lacrosse for the state. He retired June 30, 2013 from the MIAA.
Tony will be remembered as a leader, coach, mentor, and friend but most of all he was all about family.
He was so proud of his children and grandchildren and celebrated each and every one of their accomplishments. His spirit and character will live on in each of them.
He is survived by his 4 children, his son, Anthony Romano and his wife Kristin (McSorley), his daughter AnnMarie Romano, daughter Kristine and her husband Rob MacInnis, and son Patrick Romano and his wife Kristin (Dillon). He will forever be missed by his 7 grandchildren; Ryan, Ricky and Kaleigh MacInnis, Alexis and Matthew Romano, and Dillon and Avery Romano. Also survived by his brothers Patrick Romano of Sturbridge, and Gary Romano of Chicopee, as well as many special nieces and nephews.
Tony enjoyed golf and was a long time member of Longmeadow Golf Club where he ran his famous “Thursday Golf League”. He also belonged to Bayberry Hills and Bass River golf clubs in Yarmouth, MA.
Tony’s happiest times were spent at his home on Cape Cod with his children and grandchildren and so many special friends.
Our family will be forever grateful for the compassion and care of our team at the Sophia Gordon Cancer Center at Lahey; as well as the constant support from Tony’s buddy, Larry Kelleher.
Tony will live on in the hearts of so many and will be missed every day.
Calling hours are Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 4-8 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. His funeral will be held Thursday, Oct 16, at 10 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 198 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover. Interment at St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Tony’s honor to the Anthony J. Romano Scholarship Fund c/o The Tewksbury Credit Union 752 Main Street Tewksbury, MA 01876.