Enrico Joseph 'Rick' Romano

Enrico "Rick" Joseph Romano peacefully departed this world on December 18, 2013 at the age of 89. He was born February 14, 1924 in Longano, Italy to Angelo and Philomena Romano. He was brought to the United States at the age of 2 and was raised in Norristown, PA with his brother, Albert and sister, Mary. He joined the United States Army Infantry at the age of 19. He was a Radio Operator and Gunner for Squadron E, 113 Army Air Corp. Unit stationed out of Will Rogers. While in Oklahoma, he met the love of his life, Virginia Lee Heath, with whom he has been married for 68 years. After his service E.J. worked his way through college and law school at Oklahoma City University by driving a taxi cab at night to support his wife and first child, Linda. After receiving his law degree he worked as Corporate General Counsel for several years before entering private practice in the sixties. He was a partner in two law firms before starting his own firm in which he was later joined by his son, Rick in 1983. Virginia ran their office as manager until retiring in 2005. E.J., "Rick", always enjoyed the practice of law and the fellow judges and lawyers with whom he encountered. He received recognition from the Oklahoma Bar Association for Fifty years of distinguished service. E.J. also enjoyed the freedom of spending time with his family and friends. Whether it was weekends at Lake Eufuala, traveling with the "Rollin Okies" Motorcoach Association or golfing and playing cards with his buddies, he was always the life of the party. He would entertain them with his jokes, pranks, by playing his accordion, or just cooking a big Italian dinner for his large group of friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Mary Pizzico, all of Norristown, PA. He is survived by his brother Albert Romano, of Norristown, PA; E.J.'s loving wife Virginia; daughter Linda Brown and husband Roger, of Houston, TX, daughter Regina Good; son Rick E. and wife Caroline, daughter Jenny Chenoweth and husband Mike, of Houston, TX. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. His proudest accomplishment and first priority was his family which he showed by his generous affection and unlimited giving of himself. He will be greatly missed but the impact of his life will be forever felt by those who knew him. The family welcomes visitors to Smith and Kernke Funeral Home, 14624 N. May on Friday December 20, 2013 from 5 pm to 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am Saturday December 21, 2013 at Christ the King Church, 8005 Dorset Dr. Burial will follow immediately after at Resurrection Cemetery. A special thank you goes out to our caregivers, Sheila Montgomery and her daughter Sherita, as well as to those at Russell-Murray Hospice. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Russell-Murray Hospice, 221 S. Bickford Ave., El Reno, OK 73036.