In Memory Of
Michael M. Romano, Sr.
Michael M. Romano, Sr.
d. July 25, 2008
Michael M. Romano Sr., 70, Battalion Chief of the Albany Fire Department (retired) and veteran of the United States Navy, suddenly passed away at St. Peters Hospital on the afternoon of Friday, July 25, 2008.
A lifelong city resident, Mike was born June 12, 1938 in Albany to Dorothy (Voss) Murch and the late Matthew M. Romano. He attended Christian Brothers Academy and Albany High School and later earned an Associates Degree in Fire Engineering & Science from Schenectady Community College. Michael served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1959 aboard the U.S.S. McCaffrey (DDE-860) and was stationed in Newport, RI. He joined the Albany Fire Department in June of 1959 where he courageously served the City of Albany and his fellow firefighters for thirty years. He was the founder the Albany firefighters union. The Albany Permanent Professional Firefighters Association (APPFA) was organized on February 16, 1970 and proudly elected Romano as their first President. In the face of harassment, reassignment and personal threats, He and the other charter members then led the battle for the city's recognition of the union. With the support of his closest friends along with his relentless determination and resolve – they were victorious. He achieved the rank of Battalion Chief in 1978 and served as such until his retirement in 1989. Not long after retiring he continued to follow his passion of helping others and serving his community by becoming a volunteer member of the Fuller Road Fire Department.
On April 19, 1965 he was united in marriage to Catherine M. Furness in Albany. The couple raised five children from their home in Colonie. He was a devoted husband and father who always found time for his children; whether it was attending their sporting events and school functions or volunteering as a coach or the team medic – he was there. He has left a legacy of love, always being there to help, guide and assist all who came in contact with him. His children and grandchildren brought him endless joy, love and pride. He enjoyed family summer vacations spent camping and fishing in the Adirondacks and a love for cooking for others that was well known and often enjoyed by those around him. His love for his wife Cathi was second to none.
Mike was a Eucharistic Minister and Usher at Our Lady of Mercy Church, a member of the APPFA Retirees Association, the North Albany Post 1610, the Tin Can Sailors and past President of the Fuller Road Fire Department.
Michael is survived by his loving wife, Cathi, his son and his wife Matthew and Kathy; his daughter Suzanne Duffy; his son Michael Jr.; his daughter and her husband Dee and Jim Sausville; his son and his wife, Ray and Kelly (Florida); eleven grandchildren, Justin (Melinda) and Shannon Duffy; Michele Schoonmaker; Christopher Romano; David, Brittany and Allie Romano; Catie and Nicholas Caladim; Tyler Sausville and Ian Romano; two great-grandchildren Jenessa and Joseph Duffy; his mother Dorothy Murch; his brother, John Romano; his sister, Mary Ann (Bob) Cady; sisters-in-law Ann Fish and Jean (Bill) Krell. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, many friends and his partner in crime and best buddy, Enzo.
His family would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the staff (Mary, Becky, Nichole, Beverly and Joanna) of the 5 Brady Farrell wing of St. Peter's Hospital for their compassionate, gentle care and especially Dr. Eric Roccario, MD who will remain in our hearts and prayers always.
Calling hours will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m at the New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). He will be buried Wednesday with full departmental honors, dressed in his battalion chief's uniform and borne under an honor guard aboard a 1954 pumper engine. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Wilson Ave. Colonie. Interment will follow at Memorys Garden.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Shriners Hospital for Children by calling 800.241.GIFT or going to www.shrinershq.org. To leave a special message for the family online, visit NewcomerFamily.com
A lifelong city resident, Mike was born June 12, 1938 in Albany to Dorothy (Voss) Murch and the late Matthew M. Romano. He attended Christian Brothers Academy and Albany High School and later earned an Associates Degree in Fire Engineering & Science from Schenectady Community College. Michael served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1959 aboard the U.S.S. McCaffrey (DDE-860) and was stationed in Newport, RI. He joined the Albany Fire Department in June of 1959 where he courageously served the City of Albany and his fellow firefighters for thirty years. He was the founder the Albany firefighters union. The Albany Permanent Professional Firefighters Association (APPFA) was organized on February 16, 1970 and proudly elected Romano as their first President. In the face of harassment, reassignment and personal threats, He and the other charter members then led the battle for the city's recognition of the union. With the support of his closest friends along with his relentless determination and resolve – they were victorious. He achieved the rank of Battalion Chief in 1978 and served as such until his retirement in 1989. Not long after retiring he continued to follow his passion of helping others and serving his community by becoming a volunteer member of the Fuller Road Fire Department.
On April 19, 1965 he was united in marriage to Catherine M. Furness in Albany. The couple raised five children from their home in Colonie. He was a devoted husband and father who always found time for his children; whether it was attending their sporting events and school functions or volunteering as a coach or the team medic – he was there. He has left a legacy of love, always being there to help, guide and assist all who came in contact with him. His children and grandchildren brought him endless joy, love and pride. He enjoyed family summer vacations spent camping and fishing in the Adirondacks and a love for cooking for others that was well known and often enjoyed by those around him. His love for his wife Cathi was second to none.
Mike was a Eucharistic Minister and Usher at Our Lady of Mercy Church, a member of the APPFA Retirees Association, the North Albany Post 1610, the Tin Can Sailors and past President of the Fuller Road Fire Department.
Michael is survived by his loving wife, Cathi, his son and his wife Matthew and Kathy; his daughter Suzanne Duffy; his son Michael Jr.; his daughter and her husband Dee and Jim Sausville; his son and his wife, Ray and Kelly (Florida); eleven grandchildren, Justin (Melinda) and Shannon Duffy; Michele Schoonmaker; Christopher Romano; David, Brittany and Allie Romano; Catie and Nicholas Caladim; Tyler Sausville and Ian Romano; two great-grandchildren Jenessa and Joseph Duffy; his mother Dorothy Murch; his brother, John Romano; his sister, Mary Ann (Bob) Cady; sisters-in-law Ann Fish and Jean (Bill) Krell. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, many friends and his partner in crime and best buddy, Enzo.
His family would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the staff (Mary, Becky, Nichole, Beverly and Joanna) of the 5 Brady Farrell wing of St. Peter's Hospital for their compassionate, gentle care and especially Dr. Eric Roccario, MD who will remain in our hearts and prayers always.
Calling hours will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m at the New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). He will be buried Wednesday with full departmental honors, dressed in his battalion chief's uniform and borne under an honor guard aboard a 1954 pumper engine. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Wilson Ave. Colonie. Interment will follow at Memorys Garden.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Shriners Hospital for Children by calling 800.241.GIFT or going to www.shrinershq.org. To leave a special message for the family online, visit NewcomerFamily.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michael M. Romano, Sr., please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
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Visitation
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
4:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)
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