Gloria Olimpia Romano

Ms. Gloria Olimpia Romano, age 89, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center after a brief illness, with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on February 7, 1925, Gloria was the ninth of ten children of the late Pasquale and Giovanna (Gentile) Romano. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of the St. Luke’s School of Nursing and the Jefferson Medical College Hospital of Anesthesia in Philadelphia where she acquired the skills she used throughout her life to care for those in need. After her college graduation, Gloria began her profession as a Nurse Anesthetist at Memorial Hospital for Cancer and Allied Diseases, now known as Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, where she worked for several years. She then returned to Utica where she took a position as a private duty nurse. During this period of her career, the vast majority of those under her care were cancer patients for whom she provided the greatest and most compassionate care. They all held a special place in Gloria’s heart. Upon her retirement, Gloria embarked on several trips including those to Hawaii, Canada, where she visited Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto, and a few visits to Las Vegas and California where she participated in a parlor car tour from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Gloria was a member of the St. Luke’s Alumni Association, and the Lucy Kellogg Relief Society which provides for the care of sick nurses who are unable to pay for their services. She was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Gloria is survived by a special and beloved niece, Diane Kirkland, with whom she resided, and her niece, Judith Spada of Utica; her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. John E. and Beatrice Romano of Utica; and several other nieces and nephews including John Romano of Saratoga, Elaine and David Trevisani of Utica, Paul Romano of Johns Creek, GA, and Jennifer Romano of Utica. She was predeceased by her sisters and brother-in-law, Evelyn R. Romano, Genevieve Romano, Ann V. Romano, and Beatrice Ursula and Dr. Frank J. Spada; and her brothers, Edmund Romano, Anthony Romano, Pasquale Romano, and Joseph Romano. The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Steven Lagrant for his years of professional rapport with Gloria. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Gloria’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Abe Esper. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. In lieu of floral offerings, donations in Gloria’s honor may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Gloria Olimpia Romano

February 7, 1925 - January 28, 2015