On April 2, 2024, Michael "Mike" Bernard Romano, age 82, passed away at his home in Fountain Hills, AZ. He relentlessly fought an 18-year battle with cancer, researching and taking every treatment and experimental protocol. Mike was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on June 4, 1941. His parents were Bernard and Ida Laurienzo Romano. He is survived by his sisters, Sandra DiSarro and Bernice Muldowney, and his brothers-in-law, Eddie Muldowney, Andrew Acciardo, and Tom Acciardo. He was one of six children and will now join his siblings, who have also passed: Thelma DiFrenna, Roman "Bobby" and Anthony "Tony" Romano.
He has four children (Michael A. , Todd D. , Julie A. , and Kevin J.) from his first marriage of 31 years to Juliet A. Acciardo who passed away in 1996. Son Michael’s family includes wife Linda and stepson David. Todd’s family includes wife Karla, and daughters Taylor and Sicily. Julie is married to Andrew Willse. Kevin’s family includes wife Nuria, son Jon, and daughter Nahia.
From 1963 through 1969, Mike served as 1st Lieutenant in the Rhode Island Air National Guard as an air traffic controller. During his life, Mike and his wife Juliet developed several successful early childhood centers throughout Rhode Island, the oldest of which is the Greenville Nursery School in Greenville where the family lived for over 30 years. In addition to managing the early childhood centers, he owned "Mike's Place," an ice cream shop he purchased for his children to learn the value of hard work and entrepreneurialism. He also taught high school technology and trained and worked at the management level for Sears Roebuck and Company in Providence.
In 2002, Mike married Patricia "Pat" Ralicki Miles of North Providence, RI. Her two children, Christian Miles and Cara Miles Marinella, also joined the family. Upon retirement, Mike and Pat purchased a second home in Fountain Hills, AZ, enjoying the warmer Arizona climate in the winter months and New England weather in the summer. Mike's passion was motorcycles, which he rode for several decades, and cars, particularly unique models noted for style and power. He also leaves four step-grandchildren, Hayley and Katelyn Miles, Grace and Thomas Marinella, several sisters-in-law (Sandra Thompson, Kathleen Ralicki, Debra Pasiecnik, and Susan Wan), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In July, a private Celebration of his Life will be held in Rhode Island. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the PAN Foundation (panfoundation.org), which helps patients pay for medical care for severe health conditions.
DAD
A Tribute
Michael Bernard Romano was a man whose greatness as a father knew no bounds.
He gave us everything we needed and then some, everything he had, and then some. We were blessed with a dad who knew the importance of parenting and had a rare talent and passion for it. What a gift.
After the early loss of our beloved mother Juliet, Dad carried all four of us over the goal line with his wisdom, wit, and unending devotion to our well-being and development.
He fought strong headwinds but held on long enough to have an indelible impact on his grandchildren. They will forever carry their precious memories of his love, advice, and admiration.
Give them wings and they will soar was preached from day one. Dad made sure all four of us took it to heart. Some life lessons cannot be taught, but with the proper guidance, you can stay on the right path. Dad kept all four of us on the right path.
We were inspired to excel, believed in beyond our talents, and adored. We learned firsthand what true love looks and feels like. Alongside our mother, he taught us the value of hard work and happiness. He continued to cheer us on in her absence: our #1 fan for decades as we strived and thrived, intent on building lives they would be proud of.
We could not have done it without you, Dad. We are so grateful.
In his final days, he said, "I wish you guys weren’t so great, so it wasn’t this hard to leave." Dad…we wish you weren’t the best, so it wasn’t this hard to let you go.
Tell them you love them, but don't just tell them. Show them.
Again and again and again and again.
Tell them you believe in them but don't just tell them. Show them.
Again and again and again and again.
Laughter is medicine. Take your medicine.
Again and again and again and again.
They are all your favorites. Make sure they feel it.
Again and again and again and again.
Let's do it! Let's get through it! Let's get on with Living!
You've always got a puncher's chance as long as you keep swinging.
Words to live by, Dad.
You always did.
And you made sure we always will.
In Loving Memory,
Your adoring children.
Michael, Todd, Julie, Kevin.