Anthony Michael "Coach Romeo" Romeo "Coach Romeo"

“Coach Romeo”

Anthony Michael Romeo, 84, was born December 27, 1931, at home on Fletcher Street, in Houston to Guiseppe “Joseph” Romeo and Camella Bridget “Mary” (Vento) Romeo. On July 13, 2016, he peacefully passed away with his loved ones surrounding him. God received him with open arms. He is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Pauline Romeo Schultz, Charlie J. Romeo, Josephine Romeo Burton, Virginia A. Romeo, Lucille Romeo Havemann, and his granddaughter Aimee Ann Navarre.

He is survived by his beautiful, loving and devoted bride of 60 years, Nita Rae Stephenson Romeo; his greatest blessings (and fans), his children, Lisa Romeo Navarre and husband, Tim; Rhonda Romeo Jones; Karen Romeo Skelton and husband, Jamie; Michael Romeo and wife, Cindy; Greg Romeo and wife, Candy. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren that he devoted much of his time supporting at their many activities and functions. His 12 grandchildren proudly and affectionately called him “Grandpa”: James and Nolan Navarre; Kristopher, Catherine, and Victoria Jones; Kelli, Clay, and Katy Skelton; Ashley and Brittany Romeo; and Anthony and Natalie Romeo.

He met Nita Rae, our mother, in 1956 at Polar Wave Ice Skating Rink. They married July 28, 1956. Nita Rae was the love of his life and his soul mate. They loved spending time together, with family, friends, relaxing at Red Lake, traveling around America with their five children, going to the beach and enjoying time with loved ones. Anthony and Nita Rae lived their lives around their children’s and grandchildren’s activities and participated in their special events.

The heartbeat of Anthony, our father, was his family. He loved God first and foremost, his life was centered around God and his family. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, friend, teacher, coach and neighbor. He never met a stranger. He truly gave to others with such joy. His heart was a godly servant heart; he modeled it in his professional life and his personal life. He absolutely loved serving and helping anyone and everyone. He helped to change this world into a better place, one person at a time, with his engaging personality. We were blessed to have him for 84 years.

He graduated from Jeff Davis High School in 1949. He attended University of Texas at Austin. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1956 and a Masters of Education in 1958 both from University of Houston. Anthony was a member and served as president of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. He recently received his 60 year membership recognition with Pi Kappa Phi. He was very involved with University of Houston’s Frontier Fiesta in his early years.

God took Anthony (Coach Romeo) on a journey of coaching and teaching that touched many student’s lives. He loved his students and loved working in schools where God placed him. Anthony began his teaching and coaching career in Aldine ISD at Francis Elementary School in 1959. He helped create a curriculum for elementary physical education in Aldine. In 1961, Anthony began his journey with Houston ISD. He began at Edison Junior High School teaching and coaching. One of the high points of his coaching career came in 1964-65, when his basketball team won the City Title with a 24-0 record at Edison. Continuing on his journey was Cullen Junior High, he accepted that position after he attended an N.D.E.A. Institute for Dis-advantaged Youth in 1966. At Cullen he coached one district football championship, three district and one city track championships. Desiring to move into high school teaching and coaching, he transferred to Lincoln Senior High School as a Physical Education teacher and an assistant coach in football, basketball and head golf coach. His Junior Varsity Team won the City Basketball Championship. He became the head basketball coach in 1979. He was awarded 'Coach of the Year'' at Lincoln. The enrollment was very low at Lincoln and they closed their doors in June 1980. In August 1980, he became a Health teacher and coach at Reagan Senior High School. He coached Junior Varsity basketball, girl's freshmen basketball and golf. He retired from teaching and coaching in 1994. His greatest joy in his profession of teaching and coaching was building relationships with his students. He taught in minority schools and loved every second of it. His gift of a servant leader’s heart was obvious in his relationship with his students. Hearing his students call him "Coach Romeo" was music to his ears.

Anthony was a firm believer in belonging to and participating in organizations and activities to advance his teaching and education career. He was a member of Houston Federation of Teachers; Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; Houston Coaches Association, American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; Greater Houston Football Coaches Association; American Red Cross. He was a life member of Texas High School Coaches Association. He was President of Houston Coaches Association from 1974-1976. He was honored with receiving the very first "Outstanding and Dedicated Service Award" from the Houston Coaches Association.

Anthony belonged to many organizations and groups. He was a proud, 60-year member, of Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston. He was the first chartered member and had many leadership rolls. He belonged to Red Lake Hunting and Fishing Club for almost 60 years. He belonged to the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Aerie 63 for over 50 years. He was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church for over 50 years. He also belonged to Sacred Heart Society of Little York, Italian Federation, and Knights of Columbus Pearland 8960 for many years. He took part in PTA’s, Camp Fire Girls, Westbury Little League Baseball, and Westbury Soccer Club. Anthony’s hobbies were fishing, reading, traveling, playing Bocce Ball, playing dominoes, and gardening. One of his favorite daily hobbies was picking up his neighbor’s newspapers, pulling in their trashcans, and sweeping their curbs before they even started their day, this is a perfect example of this man’s humbled servant heart.

There is not of enough space or time to share about our loving, dedicated father’s journey, but what we know is our father walked a godly path for us to follow. His encouraging and positive attitude, along with his actions echoed scriptures:

He modeled the Fruit of Spirit – Galatians 5:22 “But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.”

Our father’s wise words guided us throughout our lives to believe and have faith. Mark 9:23 “Jesus said to him, if you believe, all things are possible to him that believes.”

He prayed continuously and taught his children at a young age to seek God first.

Anthony, the husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, teacher, coach, friend and neighbor was a "Difference Maker" in every life he touched. He was our hero!

Pallbearers:

Tim Navarre, Son-in-law

Jamie Skelton, Son-in-law

Greg Romeo, Son

Kristopher Jones, Grandson

James Navarre, Grandson

Clay Skelton, Grandson

Nolan Navarre, Grandson

Anthony Romeo, Grandson