Donald Romano Obituary

I'll never forget the time , when I was a small child and we were visiting the home on Franklin in River Forest. Buddy was just returning from work. As he pulled into the driveway, he honked his horn. I had never heard anything like that. His horn played The Notre Dame Fight Song for what seemed like twenty five minutes. As a small child I was more impressed with that horn than fireworks on the 4th of July.

Dear Danny-
It was always a pleasure working for your father and your family.
My condolences to you, your bothers, sisters and cousin Michael III.

Danny, Michael and the great Romano family: It has been many years since my time in Chicago and days at Brown Forman, but the pride of Buddy and his smile for ALL vendors was contagious, and at time courageous. His battles within the industry were fair and full of spirit, and he was a winner because he used wisdom as his primary tool in negotiating. I see his smile as if it was 1991 again, and I know the memories of the thousands of people he touched in his mortal time would likely all see the same good man, who worked very hard to get his family business to the point of success using fairness and good skills. He will be missed, and his sons have mirrored his attitude and aptitude as a tribute. My prayers are with the Romano family. Buddy will be missed.

Dear Florence, Danny and the entire Romano family...
In the four decades since I met Buddy and became a part of your loving family, I never once imagined a world without Buddy. He will never be forgotten. He was larger than life. I will always smile when I think of Buddy, the best part of my Gallo memories.

Please accept my condolences,
David Lincoln Ross
[email protected]

To Florence and the children.....
Buddy was a business leader with unparalleled passion and commitment! I had the honor of working for Buddy and the family for 3 years in the early 80's, 3 of the most formative years in my business career. I will always think back fondly of the time I spent with Buddy and Michael as we worked tirelessly to make the Gallo's proud of Romano Bros, a distributor with no equal, a distributor that wrote the book on excellence!!
I couldn't write these words with out mentioning Buddy's love for ND...Go Irish!! God bless Buddy and all of you,
In sympathy and admiration,
Don Quigley

So sad to hear this. What a kind man, a man of great faith, and a man so helpful to others. An icon of 20th Century Chicago, and what a life well lived. Rest in Peace Mr. Romano.

Our sincere condolences to Florence, Danny and the entire Romano family.
We hope your memories of Buddy, an amazing husband, father and friend will comfort you. He could never be forgotten. Sorry we missed the service, but we were out of town.
Linda, Don, Adam and Becky Kosh

Dear Danny and Family,
I was so sorry I was unable to be there for your Dad's Mass today. I was surely united with you in spirit and prayer.

Chicago has lost a wonderful gentleman and we have lost a good and dear friend! Be assured of our love, prayers and sacrifices are with you Danny and may God's Peace which isn't fragile like the peace the world offers, conform your heart Danny. God bless you and your loved ones!

Prayers and hugs to the Romano family. Your father was a wonderful man and always showed how much he loved his family. He was so proud of all of you. He will be truly missed and never forgotten.

Our sincere sympathies and condolences to the entire Romano family. We know that you share great memories of Buddy with friends and family. We will keep you all in our Prayers.

Dear Dr. Romano,

I am really sorry for your loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I know this time is tough for you and your family. Praying to god that he gives you and your family strength, and courage to get through this. Praying he eases your pain with each passing day. Please let me know if you need my help in any way.

On behalf of the Frank Glick family, please accept our condolences to the entire Romano family.
Sincerely,
Petey (Glick) Elterman

Our deepest sympathies to the entire Romano family on the passing of Buddy Romano. He was a mentor to many of us in the industry and he has given so many the opportunities in our lives that we can never repay him for. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Romano and the Tahlia families.

Rita and I will always remember Buddy with love and kindness and his 'poetry' was heartfelt. Our sincere condolences to Florence and the entire Romano family
Love, Yale Sager

My deepest sympathies to the entire Romano family. Great man, great family. I loved working for Romano Bros.

Condolences and prayers from the family of the late Dr. Robert F. Huspen, Fenwick Football teammate and "buddy".

It's really edifying to learn details of Mr. Romano's life. What a wonderful contribution he made to his family and to society in general.

Our condolences to, and prayers for, the Romano family! Buddy Romano has been a exemplary leader in the Fenwick and Notre Dame communities and someone we have looked up to since meeting Danny, Rocky, Michael and the rest of the Romano's.

On behalf of the entire Niccolai family, I extend my deepest condolences to Cousin Buddy's wife and family. I have some great memories of him, especially, as a child, growing up in Oak Park, IL.

On behalf of the entire Niccolai family, I extend my condolences to the family on the loss of Cousin Buddy. I have many great memories of him and his family, especially, as a child, growing up in Oak Park, IL.

Dear Mrs. Romano, Danny, Chrissy, Victor, LuLu, Tricia, Michael and D.J.,
I am so sorry to hear the passing of your wonderful father. I have great memories of over 35 years ago as a student at Notre Dame how kind and generous both of your parents were to me. Your father always made me feel very special as I am sure he did so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and may is warm memories live on forever.
Sincerely,
Molly Murtagh Meyers ND '78, '80

What a wonderful man! My father had the great pleasure of working for Buddy. He has the utmost respect for him will always treasure their friendship. Sending prayers and love to the entire family to provide comfort and peace. May his memory be eternal.

Our deepest sympathies.

Our deepest condolences to Florence, Beatrice,and the entire Romano families. I remember Daniel the first born son.
May Donald's memory be eternal.
Greg and Sophia Toulon

Sorry to hear of your Dads death. He will be in our prayers and memories. The Sheehan family extend their wishes to all the Romano Family at this sad time. Norah and Joe Sheehan

God Bless his soul! A great man that did so much for so many. I feel honored to have had the privilege to know Buddy. I will keep the Romano family in my prayers.
He will be missed.
Tom Norris

We always enjoyed seeing Buddy at Friday pizza night. Our prayers and deepest condolences for your loss.

So sorry for your loss. Buddy was always a great and honorable man as a friend and someone to do business with. If he shook your hand, it was as good as a contract. Rest in peace.

Rest in eternal peace, dear Buddy. I will miss your beautiful smile and gentle, kind spirit. In loving memory, Jeanette Kellum, Florida

Buddy was a great man in so many ways. he mentored me in my early days in the liquor and wine industry and he and Michael were inspirational to many who were beginning their careers in Sales and Marketing. He was all energy and incredibly positive in his approach to his people. He was responsible for the ultimate success of many of those fortunate enough to have worked for him. A great man, a great leader, a generous heart and a friend to so many.
Your loving family will miss you but they know they have been blessed to have had you in their lives.

God Bless you Buddy

Bob Royko

My deepest condolences to the Romano family. I was honored to have met him. Buddy was a great man and will be truly missed. The last chapter of a love story has come to an end.

Always,

So sorry for you loss

One for the ages! Great family legacy to prove it. Thoughts and prayers.

He was a fine man, a good friend, and a wonderful husband and father.

A true Notre Dame man.

Requiescat in pace.

To the Romano Family,

May God fill you with His peace and grace as you fondly remember the life of Buddy who was indeed a special man who impacted so many, many lives. His legacy lives on in his family and the lessons he imparted to us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you...

John, Linda, Zach, Anna, Sam and Victoria

Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. Buddy's smile lit up the room!

Tom Elbrecht and Dr Meri Chen

To the entire Romano Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May your family memories and the legacy your Dad leaves behind, give you comfort and peace.
Love and Blessings,
Cheryl Kennedy

what an amazing man. so many accomplishments.so many charities. so many friends . so many children. my father admired buddy and was proud to be his friend. I admired buddy and am proud to be a friend to his children.

George cibula jr

Our love and condolences from the O'Malley Family. Buddy was an amazing man with an incredible legacy.

Dear Romanos--you know the love our family has for your family, and the fun and meals we've shared...usually surrounding an ND game or event. Our dads deeply loved, admired and enjoyed each other, and they showed us all how to live. God bless you all as you grieve Buddy--a great man full of love.

Our love and condolences to all of you. He was a wonderful man and my dad was very fond of him. May God bless him and our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Safe travels, Mr. Romano.. You will be missed...

Mimi (Amirparviz) Harpur

He was truly special..........

Thoughts and prayers.

I remember the time Uncle Buddy lent his station wagon to Uncle Fray. He did a 180 on the Eisenhower while attempting to light his pipe. The wagon was full if Romanos and Taglias. It was way more fun than Kiddieland! I'll never forget that. We thought the adventure in the wagon was awesome. Just fun memories when we were kids on Franklin street. Hat's off to Buddys guardian angel who lived one floor below.

Prayers to the Romano Family.

Bob Schiewe Sr.

Sending our love and condolences. What a beautiful legacy he leaves in his family.

So sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace Buddy.

To the family: Buddy was a loyal supplier to my company-Hillman's, Stop & Shop, Gaper's and Durac. My Father, Herb Loeb, told me how Durac was among the first companies purchasing alcoholic beveredges from Romano brothers. After my Father's death in 1971, I became President/CEO of the company and had the opportunity to meet Buddy several times. My deepest condolences from the Loeb family. May Buddy RIP.

Florence, Bebe, and Families,

I am so sorry to hear about Buddy. I know the closeness of the entire Romano/Nicolau family and have felt a part of both for many many years. My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you at this sad sad time in your lives. Buddy will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Take peace in knowing he is with Mom Chrisie, Dad Mike, Brother Michael, Jr, and brother in law Joe Nicolau. You all have wonderful angels guiding you along lifes' path. I'm sure Buddy is swimming in Heaven. Love to you all.
Lou "Bubbles Zimmerman" Parsons

Buddy was bigger than life--a warm, family man, full of energy. A "Domer" like no other. Also a man of great faith. May God give him eternal peace, and consolation for his beloved Florence and family. Fr. Don Senior, C.P.

Rest in peace Uncle Buddy.

Tom Taglia

Our most heartfelt condolences to the entire Romano family. Mr. Romano we were privileged to have know you!

Buddy you will be missed.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.