Angelo Romeo Sr.
August 21, 1923-February 14, 2012
On a beautiful sunny morning, Angelo Romeo slung his golf clubs over his shoulder and strolled down the fairway to meet his tee time with St Peter.
Angelo was born to Alfio and Lena Romeo on August 21, 1923, in San Bernardino, CA. Lena died when Angelo was just five years of age. Alfio traveled with the railroad, so Angelo and his siblings Rufina, Jennie, Rosemary, and Ralph were separated and sent to live with extended family.
Angelo attended St. Boniface School in Banning where his Catholic beliefs were reinforced. Angelo went on to join the United States Marines just prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He served in the Pacific theater, initially seeing combat in Guadalcanal. He was later shot over the heart in the Battle of Tarawa. Angelo did not let this wound end his service to his country. He returned for the epic battle on Iwo Jima and took another bullet just days after the famous raising of the flag on Mt. Suribachi. He was awarded two Purple Hearts for his injuries and achieved the rank of Sergeant. Semper Fi!
After the war, Angelo worked in nightclubs and restaurants as a bartender. It was not long before he found the love of his life, Mary Allen. The beautiful blonde with blue eyes walked into his employ and asked to borrow his convertible. It was love at first sight for Angelo! They were married on November 12, 1951 in San Bernardino, CA and settled in Fontana, CA. A few years later they opened an Italian restaurant on Sierra Ave. in Fontana. Afterwards, Angelo became employed in retail at Food Giant in Fontana were he worked for 27 years and retired at age 56. Together Angelo and Mary had eight children 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Angelo exuded a strong work ethic, which he instilled in all of his children. He was very athletic and enjoyed teaching his kids how to play baseball, golf and other sports. He loved going to the horse races, family gatherings, playing golf and he could still hit a good drive! Angelo enjoyed walking, and could be seen trekking the sidewalks of Fontana. He enjoyed giving, and often had a pocket full of candy to distribute while on his errands. He was known as the Candy Man!
Angelo was a devout Catholic and was proud of the fact that he was able to provide all his children with a quality Catholic education. He loved the church and was a long time usher during Mass at St. Joseph's in Fontana.
Survivors include sons Angelo Romeo (Cindy) Yucaipa, CA, Robert Romeo, Marietta, GA, Lawrence Romeo, Corona, CA, daughters Cheryl Romeo, Seattle, WA, Linda Romeo-Ehman (Bill) Chico, CA, Monica Craig (Randy) Orangevale, CA, son Ernest Romeo (Donna) Windsor, CA, and daughter Joann Golden, Fair Oaks, CA.
His wife of 49 years Mary, his parents, and all his siblings preceded him in death.
The funeral will be held at Our Divine Savior Catholic Church in Chico, CA on Saturday Feb. 18 at 11:00am.
You may share your thoughts and memories of Angelo online at NBCFH.com