Obituary of Mario Robert Romani

Romani, Mario Robert age 90, passed away on Sunday, April 2 at his home in New Brighton after a short battle with bone cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eusebbio and Giovanna (Andreoli) Romani, and sisters, Irene, Lena, Dora and Norma. He will be missed by his beloved wife of 47 years, Judy (Smith); son, John (Bonnie) of Ocean Shores, WA; daughters, Jodi (Tom) Elder of Coon Rapids, MN and Ann (Wes) Felteau of Golden, CO. He will also be missed by granddaughters, Ally Elder (Levi Oen) and Katy Elder (Kyle Marchiafava); great granddaughters, Addison Oen and Oaklyn Marchiafava; sister-in-law, Joan Carlson and brother-in-law, Bruce Smith; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. Mario was born on October 5, 1932 in Hibbing MN, the son of Italian immigrants. At age 15, he talked his dad into signing papers to join the National Guard. After graduating H.S. and serving two years in the Guard, he enlisted in the Coast Guard. He spent three years in the Coast Guard and always spoke of his 13 long months on Iwo Jima. After his discharge, he returned to Hibbing and spent two years at Hibbing Junior College and two years at North Dakota State, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering. After graduation, he began his 37+ years working at Honeywell. He especially enjoyed his earlier years working on the Space Shuttle team where he was a key member in the development of the SS hand controls. Mario's past times included golf, playing cards, being a Twins and Vikings fan, and anything that gave him a chance to solve an engineering problem. He was a very kind and loving man with a friendly smile, a quick wit and he loved to tease. Most importantly, he loved and was loved very much by his family and friends. Per Mario's wishes, no funeral will be held. A "Celebration of Life" get together will be held on June 24.