James Romel

James Romel, 80, arguably the Greatest Dad of All-Time, died at home on July 27, 2021.

A survivor of several bouts with cancer, including a particularly harrowing encounter that stole one of his kidneys, and so many heart attacks that we actually lost count, Jim built for himself something of a reputation among physicians and family as a man who could not be killed. Naturally, word of his death was met with genuine surprise and mild suspicion. (In the end it was the cowardly attack of both renal and heart failure that finished him, each disease knowing it couldn't do the job alone.)

Jim was a beloved father, and an absolutely adored "Papa" to his legion of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was known by all to be kind, sweet, generous, and thoughtful; he was known by those closest to him as all of that and a little cranky sometimes, too.

Not so well known about Jim was his skill at the violin, his beautiful singing voice, or that he was a legendarily undefeated couch-Jeopardy champion. Fluent in French and Greek, he lived for a time in Paris after his honorable discharge from the Army.

In addition to his parents, Charles and Valicia Romel, Jim is predeceased by and his wife, Carol, with whom he shared 52 years together and missed dearly.

He is survived by his children and step-children: Joseph Romel (Lisa Van Husen), Christopher McCreesh, John Riccio (Viola Cagnina), Kelly (Riccio) Rogers, Michael Riccio, Joseph Riccio, (Yes, there are two Joseph's; it's a long story) Anthony Riccio, James Duell (Linda Duell), and Richard J Duell (Joan Duell); as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren too numerous to name.