Michael J. Romeo

On June 23, 1941, Michael was born to Michael and Carmela (D’Emilio) Romeo in Newark, NJ. He graduated from Union High School in 1959, and served in the U.S. Army from 1959-1962. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1966 as well as a Master of Arts in English in 1970 from Jersey City State College and a Master of Arts in Supervision from Seton Hall University in 1978.

He began his career as an English teacher at Kearny High School and also served as a beloved wrestling, soccer, and tennis coach for many victorious seasons. He went on to become the Supervisor of Language Arts at West Orange Public Schools until his retirement in 2009.

Michael was uniquely gifted with both an agile mind and an athletic body, which made him almost unbeatable at Trivial Pursuit, and a fierce competitor whether he was playing tennis, basketball, football or swimming. He enjoyed riding his orange bike all over Long Beach Island.

But his greatest love was his family. He enjoyed taking his family out for breakfast at Uncle Wills, or for ice cream at Meltdown. He enjoyed going to happy hours with his wife and friends at Tuckers and other watering holes across LBI. Michael cherished the times he spent with his grandchildren. He especially loved playing wiffle ball with them, and any other children who joined in at any given time. He could see the humor in everything and we will miss his contagious laughter.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Carmela Millicent Romeo. He was the beloved husband of Jeanne Romeo for 60 years, cherished father to Laura, Deborah Ricardo and her husband Jerry, Michael and Josie. He was the devoted grandfather of Andrew, John, Margot, Charlotte and Chelsea. He also leaves behind his brother John Romeo and his wife Pamela.

A family gathering will be held on Wednesday, December 18, at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 145 East Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Livingston from 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM followed by Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Philomena’s Church, 386 S Livingston Ave, Livingston, NJ.

Please do not send flowers. A scholarship fund at West Orange Public Schools will be set up so that donations can be made in his name at a later date.