On November 24, 2020, time stopped for just a second so the honor guards of heaven could light the path home for a man of immense fortitude. Albert J. Romeo, the Italian Lion of South Brooklyn, passed away peacefully and at ease after having contracted the debilitating Covid-19 virus.
Born in Brooklyn New York, Al as he was known, lived proudly as a New Yorker everywhere he went, tirelessly serving his community as a New York City Police officer and later as a homicide detective.
Al Romeo, a member of the Detective Endowment Association, was enlisted by the FBI to serve as an investigator and liaison for the New York Racing Association, where he later transitioned to become a full-time lead supervisor.
Al often joked that he simply was not being allowed to retire, he loved his work and ventured well into his later years doing what he loved most. Al loved a day at the racetrack and had a knack for picking the right horse. He loved the beach and white sands of the Caribbean, fishing of any kind and most of all HIS beloved New York Yankees. Al had quite the green thumb as well; everywhere he went life seemed to flourish and grow. His tomatoes and figs reached biblical sizes and he shared the bounty with his neighbors to their delight.
He left lasting impressions on everyone he met and spread his happiness and joy to the world with every breath he took and every song he sang.
He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Diane Romeo and her husband, Dr. Roy Speiser, of Stuart, FL and his son, Albert Romeo Jr. and his wife, Terry of Naples, FL ; and his adoring grandchildren, Eric Speiser and Kristina Romeo.
Al Romeo was predeceased by his 9 brothers and sisters and his loving wife of 70 years, Vincenza “Vinnie” Romeo.
He will always be remembered as Al, and most certainly, always, Papa.
Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to “Tunnel to Towers Foundation” for the families of Fallen Police Officers. https://charity.gofundme.com/donate/charity/tunnel2towers/0?widget=1&monthly=1&
