Dominic "Monk" Romano

THE CASEY FAMILY IS HONORED TO BE CARING FOR AND ASSISTING THE FAMILY OF DOMINIC 'MONK" ROMANO OAKVILLE - Dominic J. “ Monk” Romano, 89, passed away peacefully at Middlebury Convalescent Home on Sunday, October 1, 2017. Dom was born on December 20, 1927 in Ossining, New York to the late Joseph and Mary Romano. He moved to Oakville Connecticut where he continued to reside for the remainder of his life. Dominic was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School where he excelled in basketball. He never forgot the values learned there and practiced them throughout his life. He volunteered and proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was profoundly affected by this experience and made a life mission to help servicemen. He touched many lives as a counselor, mentor and friend, never turning his back on a veteran in need. After graduating from Post Junior College, Dom worked as a toolmaker for 35 years for Scovill’s at “The Oakville Pin Shop”. During this time, he dedicated 25 years as credit union president. For Dominic’s contributions to community service and athletics, he has been acknowledged by several organizations including the Alexander Alves Rotary Club Award, the Waterbury Sportsmen’s Award, Olympian Club of Waterbury Award, and his most coveted, the Water-Oak Circle of Sports Gold Ring Award, an honor he shared with both of his sons. He was a member of many organizations including 60 years in both the American Legion and Knights of Columbus. Dom was extremely proud of his country, it’s flag and the sacrifices made by those who protected it. He visited many area schools educating students on the meaning of our flag and the freedom it represents. He spent years tirelessly fighting for the rights of veterans locally and across the state, working with Governors Ella T. Grasso, William O’Neill and friend John Rowland on many causes including the development of the CT State Veterans Cemetery. Dominic considered his greatest possession’s in life to be his family. He was predeceased by wives: Eleanor (Simone) Romano and Mary (Murphy) Romano. He was also predeceased by his sister, Josephine Romano. He is survived by his children: son, Joseph and Sharon Romano; daughter, Susan and Joseph Lavoie; and son, Dominic and Elaine Romano. He loved his grandchildren, Kate, Joseph, Michael, DJ and Marc. Great grandchildren are Valentina and Michael Jr. Romano. The family would like to deeply extend their appreciation to the many friends who continued to visit Dom while he was a resident at Middlebury Convalescent Home and a special thanks for the compassion, loving and professional care given to him by the entire staff and volunteers at the home. Funeral services for Mr. Romano will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2017 when a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. at St Mary Magdalen Church, Buckingham St Oakville CT. Those planning on attending are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in Mt Olivet Cemetery, Watertown. To honor Dom’s memory, donations may be made to the Recreation Department of the Middlebury Convalescent Home, 778 Middlebury Rd., Middlebury CT, 06762. The O’Neill Funeral Home has been honored to assist the family with arrangements. To extend on-line expressions of sympathy to her family or for more information, visit www.oneillfuneralhome.com