Joseph Anthony Romeo

A first generation American, and the beloved second child of Adelina and Saverio Romeo, of Arielli and Canosa, Italy, Joseph Anthony Romeo passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 8, 2025, in Georgetown, Texas, at the age of 97.

Born on April 7, 1928, in Malden, Mass., after graduating in 1948 from Malden High School, Joe enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Fort Devens in Massachusetts and Camp Kilmer in New Jersey. During his time in the service, Joe was a drummer in the U.S. Army band and served as the namesake for Joe Romeo and His Orchestra, playing weekend shows throughout the area. Joe was an enormous lover of music, especially big band and jazz, and later in life, loved playing the harmonica and keyboards with family and friends every chance he got.

After a stint at Hamilton Standard, Joe got licensed as a hairstylist and beautician, eventually opening his own salon, Beauty Lane, in Suffield, Conn. Traveling to London to train under famed stylist, Vidal Sassoon, he adopted new techniques and renamed his salon, London Fashion Cutters.

Beyond his professional life and musical endeavors, Joe was a fantastic cook. His favorite dish was chicken francaise and he loved filling the house with the aromas of traditional Italian dishes. Joe was deeply supportive of his wife Eleanor’s pursuits as an artist, and would often set up her public exhibitions, do the framing and mattings for her paintings, and was even a good salesman! He was generous, charming, and kind, and left a positive impression on everyone he met. 

Joe is survived by his brother, Jerry (Elaine), sons, Richard (Katherine) and Stephen, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren – who lovingly called him Papapoupou. He was preceded in death by wife, Eleanor, parents, Adelina and Saverio, son, Joseph, Jr., brother, Rocco, sister, Janette Leone, Josephine and grandson, Christopher.

A service for Joe will be held Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 TX-195, Killeen, TX 76542.