Dr. Gerald "Gerry" Joseph Romano

Gerry was born in Houston on the 25th of January 1934 to Anthony John Romano, Sr. and Anna Cecile Romano (née Macaione). He grew up in Houston’s 5th Ward and attended Holy Name Grade School and St. Thomas High School. Gerry played many sports, but he especially loved baseball. A Houston newspaper nicknamed him, “Little Man with the Big Stuff” in an article after he pitched a no-hitter and scored the game’s only run by hitting a solo homerun. He earned a doctorate of Optometry from the University of Houston, alongside his older brother Albert in 1958. The two went on to practice together for over 50 years, the majority of which were in collaboration with their optician father, Anthony J. Romano, Sr. and brother Anthony J. “Buck” Romano, Jr. Known affectionately as “Doctor Gerry” to his patients, he served several generations of Houston families at Romano & Romano Optometrists and later with Westheimer Vision Associates. However, Gerry is best known for his love for his family and his faith. He was a long-time parishioner of Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church where he was involved in numerous ministries. In addition to attending daily Mass, he spent several hours a day in prayer for his family and friends.

Gerry is survived by Patricia Romano, his wife of 57 years; sons Tommy Romano, David Romano and wife Sandi Johnson, and Michael Romano; grandchildren Rebecca Tillman and husband Cameraon Tillman, Madison Cuccia and husband Kyle Cuccia, and Matthew Romano; great-grandchildren Remington Tillman, Briella Tillman, Callie Cuccia, and Raeley Tillman; sister Rose Ann Haude and husband Carl “Sonny” Haude; brother Roger “Rock” Romano; sisters-in-law Antoinette Romano and Susan Eliot; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Gerry is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony John Romano, Sr. and Anna Cecile Romano; son Steven Paul Romano; brothers Albert Camille Romano, Anthony John “Buck” Romano, Jr., James Donald “Jimmie” Romano, and Joseph Louis Romano; and sisters-in-law Lillian “Mimi” Duplantis Romano, and Sylvia Nichols Sowda Romano.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of Gerry’s favorite charities.