Edward Joseph Roman

Edward Joseph Roman, born on September 19, 1945, in Wagner, South Dakota, passed away Tuesday evening, September 8, eleven days shy of his 81st birthday. He was the fifth child to the late Edward and Leona Roman.

Ed grew up on the Marty Indian Mission in Marty, South Dakota. There, he often spooked his mother by climbing high onto tall structures including the church steeple and the water tower, as well as crafting robots and trains. After graduating, he attended South Dakota State University where he met his wife Roseann. He graduated with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in electrical engineering.

After taking jobs in Iowa and Colorado, he saw an ad in a magazine and convinced his family to make a move to Alexandria, Egypt. This inspired a love of travel, visiting more than 30 countries, including India, Cuba, Argentina, and Poland in his lifetime.

Returning from overseas, Ed and his family moved to California where he lovingly annoyed his kids by always lending a helping hand, including taking the high school band to Washington DC. While working at SMUD, he helped bring aboard the California-Oregon Transmission Project, led the Central Valley Project to upgrade all five of Shasta Dam’s generators, worked to represent area public utilities in negotiations to balance power, environmental and water resources and power contract agreements. He received awards for his professional work and his encouragement of fitness in his 25 years at SMUD.

Ed’s passions included the love of learning – especially space, technology, and his gardening. An avid runner and cyclist, he ran 4 ultra marathons, 24 marathons, and cycled 27 RAGBRAI trips across Iowa, plus too many fun runs to count. When he wasn’t running or cycling, he was busy tinkering in his garage or working on his yard. Once he had his iWatch, he was proud of his meeting his Activity goal more than 5 years in a row without a break, even with international travel and emergency room visits. He would get out early to get a run in before his flight or walk the halls of the hospital to hit that Activity goal!

Those who knew Ed will remember him for infectious smile and unwavering commitment to spreading kindness and lending a hand. “Mr. Hill Road” was known for his jovial visits with the neighbors as he exercised around the street. He volunteered for fifteen years at the Roseville Sutter Hospice Thrift Store, including organizing their workshop and repairing vacuums, appliances, and more than 400 bicycles for resale for charity.

Ed is survived and missed by his loving wife, Roseann (née Rumpza) of 58 years; and his children, Jason (Daniel) and Justin (Cecile). He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas, and his brothers-in-law, Norman Betzer and Douglas Graham; and survived by his brother Michael Roman (Jan) and his sisters Marilyn Betzer, Ruth Yoch (Duane), Terri (Kevin) Fristad, and Gina Roman. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Marcella, Patricia Rumpza, Joyce (Charles) Gelderman, and Terese Tyler, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Donations can be made to the Roseville Sutter Hospice Thrift Store or a charity of your choice.