Albert Henry Romboni, age 85, of Library Street in Mystic, passed away on December 23rd at the Groton Regency after a long illness.
Born January 10, 1926 in Pawtucket, RI, he was the son of Angelo and Fernanda (Giambastiani) Romboni. He graduated from Pawtucket East High School in 1944.
He was a member of the Pawtucket Boy’s Club Harmonica Band and was an accomplished harmonica player who performed in venues all over the Northeast for his entire life.
He served in the Navy at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii during World War II as an airplane mechanic and inspector.
A graduate of the university of Rhode Island in 1951 with a degree in mechanical engineering, he worked at Narragansett Wire Co. in Pawtucket from 1951-1955.
From 1958 to 1989 he was with Electric Boat in Groton. He was a Supervisor of the Strain Gauge Analysis and Installation Group in the Test Instrumentation Engineering Department (412 and 460). His function was to set up, perform, and evaluate data of dockside and sea trial testing. He attended NAVSEA conferences and was respected and considered an expert in his field.
Active in the Mystic Community Center, he served as treasurer and president of the Center’s Board.
He was also a member of the Dante Alighieri Society of New London where he served as president and music director of the choral group “Coro Gioioso”.
In 1991, he was certified as a Connecticut Master Gardener. He was a telephone gardening helper at the Norwich office. He shared his love of gardening with programs at Camp Harkness, where he was instrumental in designing and erecting the greenhouse and water garden. He taught gardening skills to the prisoners at the Department of Corrections, Montville Facility. Known for his bountiful Italian garden, he enjoyed sharing his crops.
He was a communicant of St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church in Groton and was involved in church activities as a Eucharistic Minister and Confirmation teacher.
Albert was a devoted New York Yankees fan and a fan of the UConn Women’s Basketball team. He was a “people person” who enjoyed being with his family and friends. He will also be remembered for his love of animals.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Kacan) and family in California and Italy.
Sincere thanks to the staff and Physical Therapy Department of Groton Regency for providing excellent care and compassion for Albert.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, 69, Groton Long Point Rd., Groton on Friday at 10am. Private burial will be in Mount St. Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket RI.
In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to Alzheimer’s, 225 North Michigan Ave., Chicago ILL 60601 or St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church.
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