"Karen, I did not know about the Commodore's passing until today. Your Christmas card was returned to us a couple of days ago. I am so sorry. I pray all of you are doing well. I still miss all of you. He was the finest officer I ever worked for, so reasonable and down to earth, and yet by the book strict also."
In loving memory of
Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret.
March 4, 1947 - May 5, 2012
Newport, RI - Cpt. Paul Arthur Romanski, USN, Ret., 65, of 20 Ledyard Street, Newport, RI, died Saturday, May 5, 2012, at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI. He was the husband of Karen (Maple) Romanski. Born in Chicago, IL on Mar. 4, 1947, he was the son of the late Arthur Romanski and of Margaret (Lewis) Romanski. Cpt. Romanski was a 1968 graduate of Notre Dame University. After his graduation, he was commissioned into the U.S. Navy, where he served a tour of duty during the Vietnamese Conflict, and remained in the Navy for 30 years, retiring as a Captain in 1998. After his retirement, he took a position at the Naval War College, where he worked until his passing. Cpt. Romanski met his wife, Karen, in California in 1976, and they were married shortly thereafter. They have resided in Newport since 1994. Besides his wife, he is survived by his son Michael Romanski of Providence, RI, his son Daniel Romanski, his daughter Rebecca Romanski, both of Newport, RI, his brother Peter Romanski, his sister Lisa Romanski, and his sister Alexandra Giacomelli, all of CA. His funeral will be held on Friday, May 11, 2012, at 1:00pm, in the auditorium of the Naval War College, at Naval Station Newport. If you wish to attend his funeral services, please contact the funeral home, at 401-846-0698, for more information.Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2012, from 4:00-7:00pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI. Visitation MAY 10. 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service MAY 11. 01:00 PM Naval War College Naval Base Newport, RI, US, 02840
Tributes
"Dear Karen, Michael Rebecca and Daniel , Paul your husband and father was my first officer I worked for on my first ship and his encouragement and true respect for all he came in contact with was the thing I will never forget. The four years I served aboard ship with him was a time when I learned how to be firm and fair when leading from his example.The ship was an ammunition supply ship which is very busy with long hours ofsea time but the safety of himself and his crew was his priority. I must say he is in every conversation with my fellow crew members and retired veterans who followed in his footsteps to contribute to the efforts of freedom for all of us. He was much like a coach and as we were getting ready to do a job he would give us tips on how to do the job and avoid errors in advance. I know my comments are delayed but I hope you will always keep him in your conversation at those difficult times such as anniversaries and birthdays. I told him when I was not agreeing with one of our crew members we held more rank than I "I'll work with him but never for him" He said I know what you mean and just do your part and that's what will get the job done. My 24 years in the navy was something that was encouraged through conversations with my grandfather and with your husband and father, may god bless your family Edward Bontty"
"Karen, I am so sad to here of Paul's passing. My heart goes out to you. Paul was such a fun-loving friend at Dance weekends. His laughter and warm smile will dearly be missed. Sincerely, Patty Norman....God bless"
"2 files added to the tribute wall"
"Karen:I am so sorry to hear of Paul's death. We are so glad we had a small chance to catch up with you and Paul in Boston at the Raaf wedding in December, 2008.Paul was a very good friend and I'll aways remember our days in Farley Hall and NROTC. I left the Navy after 4 years, but Paul stayed in and served in so many ways. Knowing his strong loyaties to ND, friends and family, I guess it couldn't have turned out any other way.Please accept Susan and my most sincere condolances. Paul and you will be in our prayers.Brian SchanningND '68"
"Karen and family,I am deeply saddened to hear of Paul's passing. The years we spent as neighbors were fun and fondly remembered. My prayers are with all of you during this trying time. My kids will fondly remember their "Uncle Sloppy".Lance DuPuis, Vallejo, CA"
"Proffessor Paul Romanski was a true Irishman and a great influence on me. It takes alot for a retired Navy LCDR and instructor at the Naval War College to root for the Irish when they are losing to the Naval Academy. Despite his passing, our world is brighter for having him share in the creation of the memories that remain...to his family, my deepest condolences. To Paul, as I used to sing outside the steps of the Golden Dome when day began to pass into night:No star is o'er the lake, Its pale watch keeping,The moon is half awake, Through gray mist creeping,The last red leaves fall round The porch of roses,The clock hath ceased to sound, The long day closes. Sit by the silent hearth in calm endeavour, To count the sounds of mirth, Now dumb for ever.Heed not how hope believes And fate disposes:Shadow is round the eaves, The long day closes. The lighted windows dim Are fading slowly.The fire that was so trim Now quivers lowly.Go to the dreamless bed Where grief reposes;Thy book of toil is read, The long day closes.You will be missed.Sincerely, Major David Violand,NWC/MAWS Class of 2011ND Class of 1998"
"Dear Romanski Family,My deepest sympathies for your loss. Paul was a long time customer of mine and one of the finest people I ever worked with. Rest in Peace, Shipmate. Paul Bertel"
"Karen,I am SO sorry - I only just heard and Alex has been away so she doesn't know yet.Thoughts are with you at this sad timeGraeme"
"Karen, My heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your family. Please know that I am thinking of you. Sunday morning I will be lighting a candle for Paul at my church. Laurie Tyce"
"LCDR Steven Tarr III lit a candle in memory of Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret."
"Prof. Romanski was the architect of the MAWS curriculum. I owe the most rewarding academic experience of my life to his tireless efforts. The world is a little dimmer without him but is better for all of his sacrifices. Rest In Peace....LCDR Steven Tarr III, USN"
"Paul was my friend and shipmate many years ago, halfway around the world. He was a good man and an outstanding officer who served his country long and well. Paul would have known this poem, and he would have shared the hope. May he rest in peace, and may perpetual Light shine upon him.Crossing the BarSunset and evening star And one clear call for me!And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea,But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam,When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home.Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark!And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark;For though from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far,I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crossed the bar."
"Lestyn & Jack Gilmore lit a candle in memory of Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret."
"Karen, we were so sorry to hear about Pauls' passing. Please know you are in our prayers."
"My wife and I always looked forward to meeting Paul and Karen at the Beacon dances. Paul was so much fun and always had a great big smile on his face. We will miss his engaging personality, sense of humor and his presence on the dance floor. The Beacon weekends will not be the same without him. Karen, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.Love, Linda & Bob Amrich"
"Kim Reck Butz lit a candle in memory of Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret."
"Ross and I send our condolences to Capt Romanski's family. Please know that he was a very fine man and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time."
"Capt Romanski was a great mentor and professor. I sincerely appreciate all that he did for me at the Naval War College and will always be thankful for knowing him. All the Way!!"
"The Merlins & The Perrys lit a candle in memory of Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret."
"Donna Connolly lit a candle in memory of Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret."
""Death leaves a heartacheno one can heal;Love leaves a memory noone can steal."An Irish blessing for the finest Notre Dame grad I've had the privilege of knowing. My heart is broken for you all. You're in my thoughts and prayers."
"Joe And Sue Souza lit a candle in memory of Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret."
"Karen you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, we were so shocked of the news. God Bless you and you Family Love you Sue & Joe"
"Brianne Sousa lit a candle in memory of Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret."
"Paul was a top notch man that I am proud to call my friend. He was always kind to me and I was shocked to hear of his passing. I have fond memories of he & Karen tearing up the dance floor at Vinny DelRoss' 85th birthday party. They were by far, the classiest couple on the dance floor. I hope he's dancing up in heaven, knowing how much he is missed. My sincere condolences to his family. Love & Prayers, -Leslie Costic"
"Karen, My deepest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of your husband...May your fond memories bring you comfort at this very sad time and beyond....My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family...Sheila Shaulson.."
"Karen... Shocked & saddened doesn't even begin to cover it. I cannot believe that we will not be together at a dance weekend again! I remember our last time together when we came to Newport & you took us out to eat at that great pub. For the too brief times that we spent together, I treasure our friendship. You & Paul surely enriched our lives. Im sympathy & love, Jewel & Barry"
"1 file added to the tribute wall"
"Deb Hentschell lit a candle in memory of Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret."
"I am holding you all in my heart and my prayers."
"George & Julie Zecher lit a candle in memory of Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret."
"We are so sorry for your loss!George & Julie Zecher"
"Ted S. Caballa purchased the Elegant Tribute Spray for the family of Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret.."
"Karen, I was shocked and saddened beyond belief to hear of Paul's passing. The sight of the two of you dancing was a beautiful, loving sight to behold, one I will never forget. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. love, bailey"
"So very sorry to hear about Paul's passing. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Peter and Diane"
"Bailey lit a candle in memory of Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret."
"David Couser lit a candle in memory of Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret."
"1 file added to the tribute wall"
"From left to right, David Couser, Mary Ann Hall, Prof. Romanski, and RADM James P. "Phil" Wisecup"
"Deb Maddix lit a candle in memory of Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret."
"Please accept my deepest sympathy in the passing of Paul. He was a man of great standards, integrity, and passion. He could always make you laugh, feel better on your worst day and he had the greatest smile, one that you couldn't help but smile with him. Paul was a great friend to me and to my daughter Brianne who worked in the NWC Cafe.He cared about people and they cared about him, Paul will surely be missed. Deb Maddix, Event Coordinator, NWC"
"Teleflora's Sacred Cross Bouquet was purchased for the family of Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret.."
"Cheryl Vertefeuille lit a candle in memory of Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret."
"Amintha Cinotti lit a candle in memory of Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret."
"Susan Logan lit a candle in memory of Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret."
"Dear Karen, Michael, Rebecca and Daniel - I was shocked when I found out about Paul's passing. Always remember when you look into the sky and see that bright shining star that Paul is looking down upon you. Karen my thoughts and prayers are with you at your time of sorrow. Love and God Bless. Susan Logan"
"Ann-Marie Fontaine lit a candle in memory of Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret."
"Teresa Clements lit a candle in memory of Capt. Paul Arthur Romanski USN, Ret."
"Dear Romanski Family, I was saddened to hear the news. Captain Romanski was a great man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of sorrow. May you find peace and comfort within. God bless.Teresa ClementsU.S. Naval War College"