LOUIS ROMANRETIRED NEEDHAM POLICE CHIEFLouis Roman, retired Police Chief of the Town of Needham died on January 21, 2003 at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Needham Campus. He was 79 years of age. Born in Newton his family moved to Needham when he was eight years old. He attended Needham Public Schools and was a graduate of Needham High School Class of 1942. After graduating from High School Mr. Roman enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Louis was appointed to the Needham Police Department in 1947 beginning a career in Law enforcement that would span four decades. In 1955 Patrolman Roman was promoted to Sergeant. During this time he continued to work as the Safety Officer and organized the first underwater rescue team within the Needham Police Department. Sergeant Roman was promoted to Lieutenant in 1963. After twelve years as the second ranking superior officer, he was appointed Chief of the Needham Police Department in 1975. As Chief he was highly regarded a top Law enforcement officer and was well respected by his subordinates. He attended the FBI Academy and was a member of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association Inc. He was a member of the retired State, County and Municipal Employees Association. Mr. Roman was a member of the Dover American Legion and the Wampatuck Golf Club in Canton. He was also a former member of the Board of directors of the Needham Cooperative Bank. He was the husband of Anne (Wallin) Gustafson Roman and the father of Donald L. Roman of Millis, Robert E. Roman of Needham, Corrina Roman- Kreuze of West Roxbury, Karin L. (Gustafson) Ricciardelli of Medfield and G. Edward Gustafson of Needham. He was the brother of Rita Romaszkiewicz of Needham and the late Robert J. Roman. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday January 25 at 10 A.M. in Saint Joseph Church. Visiting hours in the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Avenue Needham on Friday from 4-8 P.M. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery.