Obituary of Philip M. Romano

Philip Maurice Romano, aged 94, passed away in his sleep on August 30, 2023. 

A lifelong resident of Morris County, Phil was born May 11, 1929 in Madison, NJ to Felice and Anna Marie Romano. He lived in Madison, Morristown, Morris Plains and most recently at the NJ Fireman’s Home in Boonton, NJ. He attended St. Vincent Martyr School and Madison High School. From 1948 to 1952 Phil served in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Knox, KY.

On September 4, 1949, Phil married Dorothy Elizabeth Mulligan of Cedar Knolls and they were married for more than 64 years until Dorothy’s death in 2014.

Phil was one of five children and was predeceased by siblings Carmine Romano, Vincent Romano, Amelia Meyers, and Ida Sutton. He is survived by his children, Philip Romano, Robert Romano, Brian Romano and Linda Gebel as well as 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. 

The term “Life is a Beach” could have been inspired by Phil Romano. He loved nothing more than spending time at the beach sinking his toes in the sand, whether on Long Beach Island, vacations to Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii or spending retirement winters in Bonita Beach, Florida. 

A mason by trade, Phil learned as an apprentice alongside his father and became a member of the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers. Anyone who worked with Phil would acknowledge that he was a stickler for detail and every course of brick or stone was laid in a straight and plumb line! You can still see evidence of his talent around town, such as the monument in front of the Morris Plains Fire House. 

Phil was a volunteer member of the Morris Plains Fire Department for 69 years, having originally joined the department in 1954. He also served as co-grand marshal for the Fire Department 100 year anniversary Memorial Day parade in 2005. He was also an active member of the Morris Plains community, for example he served on the Board of Adjustment for many years. 

Visitation hours are 5-8 PM on Wednesday September 6 at Dangler Funeral Home, 600 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday September 7 at 10am at St Virgil’s Roman Catholic Church at 250 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains. Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Mausoleum, East Hanover, NJ.