JOE ROMEO

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JOE ROMEO February 5, 1924 - May 20, 2011 Peacefully, after a lengthy illness, it is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Joe Romeo on Friday, May 20, 2011 at Vista Park Lodge. He was 87 years old. Joe leaves to mourn brother August (Caterina); sisters, Maria Falvo, Concetta (Mario) Cisotto, Antonietta (Joe) Ritrovato of Victoria, BC, and numerous nieces, nephews and relatives. He was predeceased by both parents Anna and Antonio, wife Rose, sister Rafaella, and brothers Domenic and Oreste. Joe was born in Amato, Italy on February 5, 1924. He learned the skills of a barber and tailor from his father Antonio, a master tailor. At the age of 18 Joe became a radio operator in the Second World War, but due to the sudden death of his father in 1942, Joe returned to his hometown of Amato to assume a father's role and support his mother in the task of raising a young family. Joe later immigrated to Canada in 1950. His love, dedication and commitment to his family were the catalyst in quickly bringing his mother and six siblings to Canada to join him in the early 1950s. In 1952 he married Rose Torchia and was a loving and devoted husband for 53 years of marriage. Joe was an ambitious and hard worker. He began his career in Canada as a Carman Helper at the C.N.R. shops and later worked at Joe Blostein and Son. In 1958 along with his two brothers, Oreste and Domenic, Joe opened Romeo Bros. Barber Shop in Transcona which has operated for over 50 years. Over the years he developed many friendships and loyalties with clients. His passion for his trade and for his barbershop provided him with the energy to continue working into his early 80s. Joe very much enjoyed spending time with family at his cottage at West Hawk Lake. A private funeral service was held on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at St. Timothy Parish with Father Phil Daley presiding. Entombment took place at Green Acres Funeral Home and Cemetery, Hwy. #1 E. and Navin Road. Pallbearers were nephews Alberto Cisotto, Allen Hunnie, Tony Romeo (son of Oreste), Tony Romeo (son of August), Tony Romeo (son of Domenic) and John Schriemer. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations in Joe's memory can be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. The family wishes to give special thanks to all the staff at Vista Park Lodge for embracing Joe with their kindness and friendship, and moreover for their care and compassion especially during his palliative stage. Joe will always be loved, sadly missed and never forgotten by his family and friends. Funeral Arrangements In Care Of WHEELER FUNERAL CHAPEL 211 REGENT AVE. WEST AT BOND 224-1525

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 28, 2011