Ossie E. Rometo, age 78, of Sarasota, FL, passed away August 15, 2018. He was born January 19, 1940 to Oswald and Hazel Rometo, in Welch, West Virginia. Ossie graduated from Turtle Creek High School in 1957 and went on to graduate from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1963 and received his Masters from Temple University in 1966. Ossie was a distinguished Art Professor/ Teacher at McHenry Junior College. He also enjoyed being a wrestling coach in Coatesville High School in PA and Crystal Lake, Ill., and lead the McHenry Junior College Woman’s Softball Team to many victories as their coach, ultimately leading to his achievement of Illinois State Softball Coach of the Year in 1977. He was the in-residence artist at the Art Avenue Gallery at Siesta Westfield. Ossie’s specialty in his art career was the beautiful biblical art he created. Of his biblical art, his most revered accomplishment is the Papal Portrait he did of Pope Paul II that is hanging in the Papal Apartment in Rome. He also was named Outstanding Artist of Sarasota County from 1999-2001. Ossie was also was proud of his fluency in both Latin and Italian. Ossie was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his children, Margo Rometo, John Rometo, and Gina Caruso Rometo; his grandchild, Valente Caruso; brother, Kenneth J. (Mary Ann) Rometo; his former wife, Maria Portelos; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 from 10 am – 11 am at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park; 170 Honore Ave., Sarasota, FL 34232. The Funeral Service will follow the Visitation, beginning at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Church of the Palms Presbyterian Preschool Program.
