Joseph Vincent Romano, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in his Tinton Falls, NJ home. Joseph was born on November 12, 1945, and raised in Staten Island, NY where he graduated with the Class of 1963 from St. Peter’s High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from St. John’s University and a master’s degree in the same subject from Richmond College. A lifelong educator, he began as a teacher in Public School 50, Oakwood, NY, and retired as a school principal in the Asbury Park, NJ school system.
He relished every day of his retirement, joyfully splitting wood, tinkering with his tractors, riding his motorcycles, and filling the lives of all around him with genuine love & laughter. Nobody lived in the moment better than Joey Romano; a charismatic storyteller, pizza and Italian pastry connoisseur, and a vital spirit, he taught us how to truly live, not just survive.
Joseph was predeceased by his parents Rosina Santoro Romano and Joseph Romano, Sr. and his wife of 23 years, Marilyn Nardo Romano. He is survived by his brother Michael Romano and his wife, Janelle, of Brooklyn, NY. He is also survived by his son Christian Romano and his wife, Anastasia, of Farmingdale, NJ, as well as his daughter, Joan Romano Shifflett, of Annapolis, MD. Joseph, aka “Popples,” is also survived by his 7 loving grandchildren, Gemma, Carmella, Juliana, Nina, Lucia, Rocco and Gloria.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Sunday, May 21, from 1-4 pm at Orender Family Home for Funerals, 2643 Old Bridge Road, Manasquan, NJ, 08736, with a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, May 22, at 9:30 am at St. Denis Church, 90 Union Avenue, Manasquan, NJ, 08736. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.orenderfamilyhome.net.