Obituary of Ralph Romano

Ralph M. Romano, a retired Belmont Fire Fighter and Inspector for the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety passed away at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington on Monday, September 19, 2011. He was 93 years old. Ralph was born in Somerville, the son of the late Ophelia and Nicholas Romano. He spent his first years in Somerville, before his family settled in Belmont. He was a graduate of Belmont High School. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Second Class Petty Officer during WW II. He was stationed in the Pacific on the island of Guam repairing damages ships during World War II. He was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal, American Area Service Medal, and the Asiatic – Pacific Campaign Medal. He took great pride in his contribution to the war efforts and continued his support of the US Military through is involvement in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Ralph returned home and worked as a fire fighter for the Belmont Fire Department for 16 years. His keen insight into fire safety led to moving to the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety. He worked as a safety inspector who worked closely with the Massachusetts State Police on arson investigations. Ralph had a variety of interests over his 93 years. He was an avid freshwater fisherman. He loved to travel, with Italy being his most favorite destination to visit. He loved cars, with the 1960’s Mustang Convertible being one of his most favorite cars to own. He enjoyed taking trips to Mohegun Sun. He was a resident of Burlington for 45 years. Ralph loved being around his family and friends sharing jokes and stories, playing a game of cards, dancing, and especially enjoying their companionship and friendship. He will be lovingly remembered. Ralph was the beloved husband of the late Rosa M. (Grimaldi). He was the loving father of Ralph M. Chesney of Yorktown, VA. He was the brother of Lee Linger of Indianapolis, IN and the late Ann Tyree. Grandfather of Michelle Keafer of Newport News, VA. Ralph was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and good friends. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ralph’s name may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Waverly Post #1272, 310 Trapelo Road, Belmont, MA 02478. Retired Belmont Fire Dept, MA Department of Public Safety, and WW II Navy Veteran. For directions, obituary, & online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net or www.saint-malachy.org