Joseph John "Joey" Romano, Sr.

Joseph John “Joey” Romano, MSgt Retired USAF, age 88, of Gulfport, Mississippi died on October 18, 2022 in Gulfport, Mississippi.

MSgt Romano was born in New London, Connecticut and was a resident of Gulfport, Mississippi.  He was also retired from Civil Service where he was an instructor, instructor supervisor, resource manager, and training specialist at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Mississippi.

Mr. Romano was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars.  His military awards include the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with three oak clusters, Air Force Longevity Service Award with four bronze oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. 

Mr. Romano graduated from New London High School in 1952, and Admiral Billard Academy in May 1953.  He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education in 1977 and his Masters of Education in Educational Administration in 1981 from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Mr. Romano was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.  He was also a member of the Retired Enlisted Association and a member of Post 189 of the VFW in New London, Connecticut.  He was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport.

Mr. Romano was an avid sports fan. His biggest passion was baseball. He enjoyed watching his sons and grandsons play ball and loved his New York Yankees most of all!

Mr. Romano was preceded in death by his parents, Frieda and Leo A. Romano; his wife, Virginia L. Romano; his daughter, Joan Lee Romano Rodolfich; and his sister, Joan Romano Boiselle.

Survivors include three sons, Leo J. Romano (Marie) and Dan G. Romano (Suzette), of Gulfport, Mississippi, and Jay Romano (Gail), of Wesley Chapel, Florida; sister, Carol McKenna (Kenneth) of New London, Connecticut.  He has four grandchildren, Amber Ladner (Jonathan) and Chris Romano (Veronica) of Gulfport, Mississippi, and Nicholas Romano (Samantha) and Alexander Romano (Danielle), of Pass Christian, Mississippi.  He has 8 great grandchildren, Addison, Anna Grace, Barrett, and Beckett Ladner, and Rowan and Walker Romano, all of Gulfport, Mississippi, and Linda Romano and Clara Romano, both of Pass Christian, Mississippi, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to offer our sincere appreciation to those who cared for Joey, including Dr. Olivia Hightower, Dr. Paul Mullins, Dr. Bobby Tullos, Dr. Craig Dawkins, Dr. Rod Krentel and their staff at Memorial Hospital, Dr. Michael Seicshnaydre, the Staff at Seashore Highlands, as well as his caregivers Glenda Walraven and Odessa Adams. A special thank you to Deacon Henderson for his many visits and unwavering dedication.

A Mass of Christian Burial Will be held at 12:00 noon on Monday, October 24, 2022 at St. James Catholic Church, Gulfport. Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery with full U.S. Air Force honors. Bradford-O’Keefe funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Romano family.

Due to flower restrictions at Biloxi National Cemetery, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. James Catholic Elementary School, 603 West Ave, Gulfport, MS 39507.