Joseph C. Romano

Joseph G. Romano of Ambler, Pa., died August 8, 2013 after a brief illness. For forty years he was President of Romano Bros., Inc., of Norristown, Pa., purveyor of Wholesale General Provisions. Mr. Romano's first love was s ports, particularly baseball. He played American Legion, High School and Semi-Pro baseball as a shortstop but suffered a knee injury, so this potentially big league shortstop was sidelined at the age of 17. However, Joe never lost interest in sports and the game of baseball in particular. He became the owner of three Minor League Farm Teams; namely, the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and Boston Red Sox, prior to becoming a Phillies Scout for the last twenty eight years. In 1998, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania American Legion Sports Hall of Fame. This recognition was for his long involvement with American Legion baseball, and for the twenty years he attended the American Legion baseball program workouts during the summer months to help improve the program and for his devotion to youth of his respective community and the state in general. Mr. Romano also received the Special Achievement Award for outstanding service to both amateur and professional b...[more]

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ball from the Mid Atlantic Major League Scout Baseball Association in 1998. Mr. Romano also received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 for over twenty years of scouting for the Florida Diamond Club headquartered in Tampa Florida. Mr. Romano was known by a wide circle of prominent sports celebrities including Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, Lefty Gomes, Tommy John, Steve Carlton, Tommy LaSorda, Mike Schmidt, Harry Kalas all in the baseball world. Also track star Jesse Owens, golf pros Jack Nichlaus and Chi Chi Rodrigus, and played in several Pro-Am golf Tournaments. Mr. Romano was a world traveler primarily in connection with sports, visiting Asia, Europe and Central America. He spent much time in connection with scouting programs in Central America. He went to the Olympics in Roma and Tokyo, saw tennis tournaments in Forest Hills, attended the Kentucky Derby, and many professional fights. He also saw at least twenty World Series. Mr. Romano was an investor of Cloverly, Inc., which invested in World Champion Boxer Joe Frazier. He grew crops in Florida, Virginia and New Jersey. One of Mr. Romano 'S most interesting experiences was as an actor, appearing in the motion picture "The Godfather II" as a Customs Agent. In memory of his parents, Mr. Romano donated the main altar for St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Ambler, Pa. The altar is made of botticina marble from Italy, and is truly magnificent. Mr. Romano was active in many community activities. He sponsored youth sports, primarily baseball; was a Board Member of Camp Rainbow benefitting poor and deprived children in Montgomery County, Pa. He also was a long time member of Triangle Sports Club which awards a scholarship yearly to the best athlete of Montgomery County. Mr. Romano was in the United States Navy during World War II, serving much of his time as a purchasing agent for commissaries and ships in Virginia and Philadelphia. Joe is survived by his Sister of Mary Roberto of Ambler and is the brother of the late Victor, John, Frank, Michael and Rose Romano and is also survived by his Brother in Law Michael A. Romano and sister in law Jeanne Romano. In addition he is survived by his long time friend and companion Margaret Guzy and many Loving Nieces and Nephews Relatives and friends are invited to call after 9:00 AM Wednesday August 14, 2013 at St. Joseph's Church Main & Poplar Sts Ambler. Funeral Mass 10:00 AM Interment Holy Sepulchre Cem. Remembrances in his name to American Cancer Society 480 Norristown Rd. Blue Bell, Pa 19422, Arthritis Foundation 111 S. Independence Mall East Phila., PA 19106 or the charity of the donor's choice. Photos and tributes may be shared at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com