Nicholas Ralph Romano

Nicholas Ralph Romano, 78, of Metropolis, Illinois, passed away on February 1, 2022.   Nick was one of four children born to Ralph Nicholas Romano and Jennie Rita Louise Garofano Romano.

Nick was born March 14, 1943, in Rutland, Vermont, and grew up in Glen Falls, New York, where he graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1961. After graduation, Nick attended Adirondack Community College and LaSalle University.  In 1964, he enlisted in the US Navy where he served as a Machinist Mate on submarines until 1983.  During this time, he was once the highest ranked NCO and referred to as the ‘Chief of the Boat’ when serving aboard the USS Parche.  Due to his Naval experiences on nuclear submarines, his second career was working at nuclear power plants, moving his family to Ohio, Tennessee, and Illinois.

Nick did not understand the concept of retirement.  At the time of his death, he was a long-haul truck escort who enjoyed repairing cars and flipping homes in his downtime and donated his time preparing taxes for the elderly.  Fueled by coffee, pasta and laughter, he was always on the go.  Nick was an outgoing, giving man who never met a stranger.  He will be missed by many.

Survivors include his longtime partner, Jan Taylor, of Metropolis, IL; one son, Anthony (Kourtney) Hanenkratt of Whitehouse, OH; and one daughter Lori (Matt) Ramsay of Cartersville, Georgia.  He was the grandfather to five much loved grandchildren:  Dirk, Lucas, Rhett, Braelyn, and Siena, as well as two step-granddaughters, Kenzie and Ania.   He also had three much adored great-grandchildren Brielle, Ridge, and Hunter.   Also left to grieve are his loving siblings Ralph Romano Jr., Mary Austin, and Deborah (Greg) Elfrink, three nieces and one nephew, along with countless cousins and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life service will be held later this year and then his wish to be buried at sea in a formal US Navy at-sea burial will be honored.

Arrangements by Lumen Cremation, 7978 Coely Davis Road, Suite 101, Nashville, Tennessee, 37221.

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