Michael Robert Romano

Michael Romano, 84, of Waco, entered the gates of Heaven on March 31, 2023, after a valiant fight with cancer and an acute illness. A visitation will be held Monday, April 3, 2023, from 5pm-7pm at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Woodway. A service and mass will be conducted Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 11am at St. Jerome Catholic Church, with interment to follow at Waco Memorial Park.

Michael was born in Birmingham, Alabama on August 27, 1938, to John and Grace Romano. After moving to Biloxi, he developed a love of fishing. Upon high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and served in Germany. After the service, he attended the University of Southern Mississippi, obtaining a BBA in Accounting and Real Estate. He moved to Waco in the late 1960s, where he met the love of his life, Sharon. They were married for 51 years and had four daughters. He was a hero to his children, and his love was unconditional.

Michael worked for The Sovereign Management Corporation for 29 years, while also managing his own real estate business as a Broker. He loved people and enjoyed visiting with his tenants at RPI storage. He was a lifetime member of The Knights of Columbus and was a lectern at St. Louis Catholic Church for ten years. Michael and his wife were founding parishioners of St. Jerome Catholic Church, and he remained active in his faith until his passing. After he retired, he and Sharon traveled to Europe, visiting many religious sites in Italy, Sicily, and Spain.

Michael was a talented handyman and could fix just about anything. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, gardening, and had a passion for photography. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He had a servant’s heart made of gold.

Michael was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, John and Grace Romano, his uncle Victor Romano, his beautiful daughter Tamara, and his brother-in-law, John Blackburn Jr. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife Sharon; grandson, Spencer Romano; daughters: Nikki Oates, husband David, and grandson Owen; Christi Tharpe, husband Kelly, and granddaughter Mia; Gina Jones, husband Greg, and grandchildren Giuliana and Garrett; sister-in-law, Karon Phelps; and nephew, John Surley.

Pallbearers will be David Oates, Kelly Tharpe, Greg Jones, Spencer Romano, and John Surley. Honorary pallbearer is Owen Oates.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Chakmakjian and his team at Texas Oncology for their compassionate care for over 15 years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry, Salvation Army, Caritas, or a charity of your choice.

“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in my will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.” John 11:25-26