Albert Anthony Romeo

Albert Anthony Romeo Jr., 92, of St. Joseph passed away, Saturday, June 30, 2018. Friends may visit with the family from 5-7 p.m. Thursday July 5, with Liturgical Prayers recited at 7 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 6 at St. John’s Catholic Church, 580 Columbus Ave, Benton Harbor, with the Rev. Max Nightingale officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, St. John & Bernard Catholic Parish, and the Ronald McDonald House. Those wishing to sign Albert’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Albert was born Sept. 2, 1925, in Benton Harbor to Albert Sr. and Josephine (Stello) Romeo. On Sept. 28, 1945 he married the love of his life Virginia Karr of Benton Harbor. Albert devoted his life to his wife, children and grandchildren. He and his wife were avid gardeners. One of his greatest joys in life was celebrating the holidays with his family surrounding him. He was a lifelong member of St. John & Bernard Catholic Parish. He worked at the Blue Bird Tavern in Benton Harbor; a family business begun by his parents in the 1920’s, in which he later took ownership. He was a World War II Army veteran, a March of Dimes honoree, and a lifetime member of the Moose. Big Al or Tony (as he was known to his family and friends) retired from Whirlpool in 1985. He was vice president of Local 1918 IAM Union, before becoming president for more than a decade, as well as a lifelong member. Albert is survived his children: Terry (Debbie) Romeo of Buchanan, Sandy Fenderbosch of St. Joseph, Michael (Holly) Romeo of St. Joseph, Toni Sue (Bruce) Wall of Three Oaks, Barbara (Terry) Hosbein of St. Joseph, David Romeo (Karen Moore) of St. Joseph, Robert (Patty) Romeo of Cummings, Ga.; seventeen grandchildren; twenty four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; his sister-in-law, Genevieve Romeo of Alaska; his sisters-in-law: Evelyn Karr of Arizona, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years, Virginia; his parents: Albert Sr. and Josephine Romeo; his son, Albert Anthony Romeo III; brothers: George and Richard Romeo; sisters: Marie Crawford, Virginia Martin, and daughter-in-law, Valerie Romeo.