Honoring Peter Romano-Love, Laughter & Hawaiian Shirts

Dear friends and family,

With deep sadness, we share the passing of Peter Romano, our great friend Irma's husband and Sophia's father.

Peter's passing has left his family, friends, and all who knew him heartbroken. His vibrant personality, dedication to his loved ones, and positive outlook on life will never be forgotten.

On February 1st, the world lost a truly great and selfless person—everyone's favorite storyteller and all-around amazing guy, Peter Romano. While cancer may have picked the fight, “Perfect Pete/Miracle Pete” made sure to live every moment to the fullest, bringing warmth, humor, and a whole lot of heart to everyone lucky enough to know him.

Pete was diagnosed in late 2018 with stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma - a giant tumor in his kidney they nicknamed ‘Tyrone’. (Anyone who knows Pete knows he had to give everything and everyone a nickname, and they weren't about to call it the dreaded "T-word.") Pete fought for six long years—during most of Sophia's childhood and teenage years. But even with the illness, Pete made sure Sophia knew how much she was loved and adored. He beamed when he talked about Sophia, and his big smile lit up when she entered the room.

The love story of Peter and Irma was one for the ages—built on laughter, loyalty, and an unbreakable bond of love and positivity. We were all there when they met at the Hard Rock Cafe in Chicago in '94. Peter was immediately smitten with Irma. A few years later, they would find their way back to one another to make it official.

Through every challenge, adventure, and small, beautiful moment in between, Peter and Irma were a team, always lifting each other up with unwavering love and support. Sophia celebrates her 18th birthday on February 5th, which feels heartbreakingly sad for a young woman.

Peter was the ultimate family man and friend—an adoring husband to Irma, a dedicated dad to Sophia, and a beloved son, brother, uncle, mate, friend, and Black Hawks fan. Peter made it his mission to spread joy and positivity wherever he went—whether at home, at Trader Joe’s (where his work family adored him), or simply singing along to Bob Marley.

Now, it’s our turn to support the family Pete loved so much.

As Imra and Sophia begin to navigate their unimaginable lives without Peter, we want to support them the way Peter always showed up for others. Your donation in any amount will help with medical bills, funeral costs, their road trip on Route 66 to Chicago and Sophia's college education. Irma and Sophia will also donate some of the proceeds to the City of Hope in Peter Romano's honor.

Thank you for your love, prayers, and support.

With love, Barabara, Natalie, Robin & Jen