Romano Delcore

A Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of the Nativity in Leawood, Kansas, at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, with visitation beginning prior to the service at 1:00 p.m. A reception celebrating Romano’s life will follow at Indian Hills Country Club from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Romano was born on February 13, 1957, to Romano and Hilda Delcore. He was preceded in death by his mother and his brother. He is survived by his father, Romano Delcore, Sr.; his beloved wife, Barbara; his daughters, Denise (Matt Michaelis) and Laura (Adam Nadolski); his cherished grandsons, Beau and Max; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Murray, Scott (Lauren), Matt (Amy), Tim (Lisa), and Cathy (John); many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews; and his grand-dogs, Dutch and Ella.

Romano met Barbara at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where he was a medical student and she was a nursing student. From the moment he saw her, he knew she was the one. Less than a year later, on May 2, 1981, they were married, beginning a partnership and love story that would define the rest of his life.

Romano never waited for life to begin, nor did he dwell on when it might end. He lived deeply, lovingly, and honestly. He spent his life pursuing his passions, helping others, and making the most of every moment. He smiled through life’s storms and remained gentle even in hardship. He was a simple, genuine, and extraordinarily kind man. He gave freely of himself without ever considering what he might receive in return.

The most ordinary days were Romano’s favorite — those spent at home with Barbara. He was happiest simply being together with her: enjoying wonderful food and wine, admiring Barbara’s beautiful gardens, reading books, and listening to classical music from his extensive collection. Together, Romano and Barbara built a deeply loving and close-knit family. Romano treasured time with Denise and Laura, their partners Matt and Adam, and especially his grandsons, Beau and Max. Following his ALS diagnosis, he fulfilled his mission of building with his grandsons every Star Wars Lego ship ever made — including the 9,023-piece Death Star released in 2025.

Romano’s influence and legacy as a pioneering surgeon will endure for generations. He earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1981, completed his residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center in 1986, and earned his MBA from the University of Kansas School of Business in 2000. He devoted his entire professional career to the University of Kansas Department of Surgery and School of Medicine.

In 1998, only twelve years after completing his residency, Romano became a full Professor of Surgery. He served as Vice Chairman of the Department of Surgery from 2003 to 2014 and as Chairman of the Department of Surgery from 2014 to 2026.

Romano saved countless lives through his extraordinary surgical skill. He was nationally recognized for his expertise in the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer and pancreatic tumors, and for being one of two surgeons who brought liver transplantation to the University of Kansas Medical Center. He remained an active transplant surgeon for fifteen years before dedicating himself fully to the surgical treatment of pancreatic disease.

His impact extended far beyond the operating room. Romano worked tirelessly to strengthen the medical school and surgical residency programs at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He believed influence means little unless used to help others grow. To his colleagues and students, he not only was a gifted surgeon and leader, but also a generous mentor who shared his knowledge freely and encouraged others to succeed.

Romano’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the many close friends who have supported them through this difficult journey. The love they have felt is immeasurable. They would like to thank Romano’s caregivers, who became like family and cared for him so lovingly through the very end. Brianna, Makyla, Araceli, Liliana, Sierra, Amanda, Laura, Glendy and Karen — thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. They also would like to express their sincere appreciation to the many colleagues, physicians, nurses, and staff at the University of Kansas Medical Center for their unwavering care, support, and compassion for Romano and his family throughout his illness.

Before Romano died, his family promised him that his final legacy would be helping to find a cure for ALS in his memory. Donations may be made online to the University of Kansas Endowment benefiting the Keith Worthington ALS Research Fund at www.kuendowment.org/give. Please indicate that donations are in memory of Dr. Romano Delcore.