Frances (LaBarbera) Alfano Roming

Frances was born on June 17, 1929, in Highbank,Texas to the late Joe LaBarbera and Josie Roppolo LaBarbera. She attended school in Reagan and graduated from Reagan High School in 1946. A lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marlin, Frances devoted her time to serve her parish and community, always willing to serve the church for many events as needed.

As a young girl, Frances and her siblings helped operate her father’s community grocery store in Highbank, while their parents farmed cotton and raised cattle. These early years shaped her strong work ethic, her generosity, and unwavering commitment to her family.

On September 17th, 1949, Frances married Gabriel Raymond Alfano from New York. They lived in Highbank and helped with farming her parents’ land while raising their four children together during the 14 years of marriage. After Gabriel’s passing in September 1963, Frances – through remarkable strength and grace-- raised their children as a single mother. She later married A.L. Roming, Jr., with whom she shared several years in Marlin, the place she called home for the rest of her life.

Frances is preceded in death by her husband Gabriel, her parents Joe and Josie LaBarbera, sisters MaryLena Lewis, Pauline Tusa, brothers Nick LaBarbera, Frank LaBarbera, her husband A.L. Roming, Jr., and her youngest beloved son, Philip Alfano.

She is survived by her sisters Corene Palasota of Grand Prairie, Roxanne Baiamonte of Cedar Hill, and her brother Joe LaBarbera of Azle, her daughters Gloria Dearen and husband Lonnie of Marlin, Cynthia Hentrich and husband Curt of Spring, Tx., and her son Tommy Alfano and wife Donna of Franklin, Tx.

Frances was a proud and loving grandmother of thirteen beautiful grandchildren and sixteen beautiful great grandchildren, each of who brought her immeasurable joy.

Frances was loved and adored by everyone who knew her, young and old alike. She passed down not only a legacy of love, but also generations of cherished family recipes, including her famous lasagna, meatballs, other pasta dishes, Thanksgiving dressing, Pecan pie, and many more family favorites.

We will hold her in our hearts forever.

A Celebration of Life for Frances will be held on November 29, 2025 at 12:00 pm noon at The Allen House 305 Ward St. Marlin, Texas for family and friends. Please join us as we share memories, stories, and photographs together. Food will be served for everyone.