Richard J. Romano, 80

Richard J. Romano, 80, of Columbia Falls, died peacefully Feb. 28, 2011.

Richard served in the Navy during the Korean War, was wounded and honorably discharged.

Prior to his residency at the Montana Veterans Home in August 2007, Richard was known as a defender and supporter of all veterans, frequently writing letters to local newspapers and state representatives, even giving up his own membership card at a Legion post that refused Vietnam veterans.  His worst physical afflictions never affected his mind or ability to communicate. As a result, he was proud to have served the country he loved and his voice was always for his fellow residents and veterans.

Richard’s sense of humor and candor will be remembered by everyone he touched; his penchant for nicknames, hats and slapstick humor, dessert before dinner, model airplanes, his family, friends and his country.

He is survived by his former wife and partner of the heart for 57 years, Monica; his children, Mark, Mary, Eric, Loretta and Dawn, Carol, and Paulette and Joe; 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Dolores Farenga.

A service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 3, at the Montana Veterans Home.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Montana Veterans Home, P.O. Box 250, Columbia Falls, MT 59912. Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 404, Whitefish, MT 59937.

Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is assisting the family.