Raymond Roman

Raymond Anthony Roman I, better known as Tony, who was 74 years old, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to all, passed away peacefully at home on 01/01/2023 due to Congestive Heart Failure. He was preceded in death by his first and only Son Raymond A. Roman II, his parents Alejandro and Angelina Roman, three sisters, and two brothers. He leaves behind the love of his life, his wife and best friend of 52 years Isabel, his only daughter and favorite person Roxana, three grandchildren, Ray Jesus, 27, the first grandchild who he adores; Hayden Cristine, 6, his talented princess; and Johnny Ray, 4, his smiling ray of light, along with his Daughter in law Phoenix, her Dearest Mother Debra Pearson, Cherished Sister Sydney Pearson, and Brother Dwight who he greatly respects, and is a brother in arms, as well as his youngest brother Victor, and three sisters. He was born in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico and his family moved to New York in 1953, where he began his journey growing up on Kelly Street (banana Kelly, since the block was shaped like a banana) in the Bronx. He lived a myriad of Adventures with his siblings and Kelly Street neighborhood friends, Eddie, Abie, Lawrence, Byrd, Chico, Junior Petunior, Jose, Robert, Johnny, and all the rest who’s friendship still exist today. There he developed his love of music, movies, and all animals. He would gather stray dogs he and secure them with make shift leashes made of ropes, belts, or any other material he could find, and walk about the city happy as can be with his dogs. He also kept a pigeon coup on the rooftop where he gained appreciation for all birds. He cherished the memories of the days where he was able to save enough money to go for a horseback ride at nearby stables. His work ethic was born on Kelly Street, as his parents proudly told stories about him and his shoeshine box and how he earned money which always went into his mother’s hands, keeping just enough on the occasion to have a slice of pizza or an ice cream. He felt a deep sense of loyalty to his Country which drove him to enlist in the Army while in high School and by April of 1967, he became a medic and combat soldier in Vietnam at the age of 19. He was awarded The National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Medical Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Two Overseas Service Bars, and The Bronze Star with V for Valor. Upon his return from Vietnam he like many others had to learn to adjust to daily life. He focused on working initially at a Flower Shop while renting a single room for men near his parent’s apartment. He said that in the midst of the madness in the Vietnam jungles, he gained further appreciation for Nature, plants, and flowers, therefore, the Flower Shop was a good fit at that moment. In 1971, a friend of his asked him to be a groom’s man in his wedding, Tony accepted, he was paired up with the bridesmaid Isa, who he married 6 months later, after she proposed. He was a traditional man and went directly to Isa’s parents to ask for hand in marriage and 52 years later they were as in love as they were when they met in 1971. Tony moved Isa and the kids, Ray and Roxy, to Chicago a few days before the Blizzard of 1978, where he was a successful Industrial Machinist. His work ethic was unbeatable, as he always had more than one job, including driving 18 wheelers. He was successful in Real Estate which afforded him the life he dreamt of for his family and not to mention the indulgence of his love of cars which have been countless. Upon his retirement, he and Isa decided Florida was where they would enjoy the rest of their lives and go on to have one last child, his youngest son and buddy Sparky (5 ½ lbs of Chihuahua Terror) who they rescued/adopted December 2013, and who he loved so much words can’t describe the relationship between the two. Tony went on to forge new and long lasting meaningful friendships/brotherhoods with great people, including Kevin & Lisa Burkard and family, Norm and Amy Envall, and all his poker buddies, as well as Debbie and Jerry Chase, which he loved and valued to his very core. Tony leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and laughter. He was loved and respected by many and will be missed by all. For those wishing to celebrate his life and service we ask that in lieu of flowers a donation be directed to the future education of his youngest grandchildren Hayden, 6, and Johnny Ray, 4, who now lost their only grandfather left, as well as the loss of their father to Congestive Heart Failure in 2018 while waiting for a heart transplant, and they loss their maternal grandfather, The Great John Pearson, 94, in January 2021 to Covid. Donations can be made by copying and pasting the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/raymond-a-roman-i?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

Raymond Roman

January 13, 1948 - January 1, 2023