Antonio H. Romano

Antonio Romano of Hampton died on January 2, 2018 at the age of 88. He was born in Penns Grove N.J. to Antonio and Maria (Del Borrello) Romano, who immigrated from Vasto, Italy. Tony loved Italy and traveled there whenever possible, visiting friends made over the years and seeing much of the country. Most times he was accompanied by his wife, Jean (Backus) Romano who also loved all things Italian.  During the 64 years of marriage they traveled from Sicily to Carrera with many visits to Vasto.

Antonio is survived by his loving wife, Jean; four sons:  Stephen and wife Gerri; James and wife Debbie and their children, Michael and wife Keri and their children, Michael, Leisha, Angelina and Keagan; Timothy James and Matthew and partner Rebecca. Also son Charles and wife Teresa with their children Stephanie and Brian; and foster son Tony Laboy, wife Maria and sons Antonio and Jeremias; brother, Albert and his wife Anne. Antonio was predeceased by two brothers, Frank and George.

Antonio attended Rutgers University on a scholarship, receiving a BSc in1949.  He continued at Rutgers under Dr. Selman Waksman of streptomycin fame, and earned a PhD in microbial biochemistry in 1952.  He then served in the Public Health Service at the Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, later moving to the University of Cincinnati where he became head of Biological Sciences.  His last move was to the University of Connecticut in 1971 where he taught as Professor of Biology, later acted as Department head, and completed his career goals as Dean of CLAS from 1992-1995.

During those years Antonio was a Visiting Fellow at the University of Leicester, England in 1967-68, working with Sir Hans Kornberg.  He also did research with Professor Kornberg at Cambridge University in England in 1979.  In 1989 he spent a year as a Visiting Scholar in the Department of Biology at the University of San Diego, California.

His skill at designing research projects took him to Washington, D.C. for a year as Program Director of Cell Biology for the National Science Foundation.  After that Antonio became the U.S. Representative to NATO as a panel member on Collaborative Research Grants issued by that organization

Over his long career his research never stopped.  His publications include chapters in books, monographs, scientific papers, and Journal articles. His devotion to science led to an enormous library that he kept up-dated and well read.

Antonio was passionate about the value of a quality education for all.   He believed in the values of hard work and helping others.  They were passed on to his children and he lived by them himself.

Calling hours will be held at Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte195) Willimantic, CT on Saturday, January 13, 2018 from 4-6 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Antonio H. and Marjorie J. Romano Graduate Fellowship Fund are appreciated.  The UCONN Foundation can be accessed at https://mcb.uconn.edu/giving-2/ and designated to #31135. Gifts also may be sent by mail to The University of Connecticut Foundation, Inc. 2390 Alumni Drive, Unit 3206, Storrs, CT. 06269 with the designation #31135. 

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