Alfred W. Romano

Portland- Alfred W. Romano, 88, of Ray Street, passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on August 3, 2021. Born the son of Italian immigrants Joseph and Josephine M.A. (Picarelli) Romano on May 30, 1933 in Portland, Maine. He graduated from Portland High School in the class of 1951 and then served in the United States Navy. He earned an Accounting degree from the University of Bridgeport that led to a 28 year career with the US Postal Service. Al was a devoted family man. Following his graduation from the University, he married the love of his life Janet Dougherty of South Portland in 1959. Together they raised 8 children, sharing his lifelong passion for cars, fishing, music, observing nature, and a variety of day trips. He was a communicant of St. Pius X Church since 1965 and was a member of the Italian Heritage Center. The family has fond memories of Al sharing stories of growing up on Federal Street in Portland. He shared stories of buying his first car with his brother Ronnie (1938 Chevy) to the year of getting his dream car, a 1955 red Ford Thunderbird. He loved his parents and siblings and always talked with great pride and love for them. His children thought of him as a hero of a dad, adventurous, funny, artistic, and a musician. There were many traditions celebrated including the mandatory Sunday dinners, car rides through car lots, spending wonderful days on Brandy Pond, boating, fishing, playing guitar and singing with his family and enjoying nature. As his children grew up, dropping by their homes and visiting with grandchildren was a common occurrence. He was a lifelong car enthusiast and spent hours looking at and reading about them. He enjoyed reading world war II history, especially the planes. He collected hats and would keep a coat for years, a little duct tape did wonders for this. For years he and his wife would have their "coffee break" at Bug Light and just enjoy their time together. He touched all of our lives and we will miss him greatly. Al was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, John and Ronald; a sister, Concetta Coombs. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janet Romano of Portland; a sister, Jean Harriman of Portland; his children, Al Romano of Cape Elizabeth, Paul and Alex Romano of Warwick, NY, Joseph and Kelly Romano of Westbrook, Julie and Rick Green of Scarborough, Kristy and Bob Esposito of South Portland, Daniel and Christine Romano of Portland, Bruce and Adriana Romano of Winchester, MA and Amalia and Steve Hanlon of South Portland; 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Visiting hours celebrating Al's life will be held on Sunday, August 8, 2021 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland, ME. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Monday, August 9, 2021 at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland, ME. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland, ME. To view Alfred's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com