Updated Aug. 12, 2024
RoseAnna Romanello, who spent more than three decades advocating for people with special needs, “lived every moment of her life believing that the Lord Jesus would one day call her home,” said Trenton Bishop David O’Connell, C.M.
Mrs. Romanello, 93, died Aug. 3 in Serenity Hospice at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton.
At a funeral Mass Aug. 9 at St. James Church, which is part of Incarnation-St. James Parish, Trenton, Bishop O’Connell said the First Reading, from the Book of Ecclesiastes, reminded people that Mrs. Romanello’s “‘time has come.’ She has died and gone on to her eternal rest. And as sad as we may feel at her passing from this life, there is a strange, even comforting peace knowing that her suffering has finally come to an end and that she is at peace with God.”
Several priests, including the Trinitarians from the parish, concelebrated the funeral Mass with Bishop O’Connell. Later, Mrs. Romanello was buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Hamilton.
Mrs. Romanello and her husband Angelo, who died in 2021, dedicated decades to the service of children and adults with special needs and their families through the Holy Cross Learning Centers and the Holy Innocents Society. Mr. Romanello became involved with the Holy Cross Learning Centers in 1974 as a member of the Trenton Council of the Knights of Columbus. Mrs. Romanello’s involvement flowed from there as they championed the needs of children and adults with special needs, whether those be cognitive or developmental disabilities, physical and emotional challenges, learning impairments, spectrum disorders or neurological disorders. They created a legacy that continues today as the Holy Innocents Society continues to recognize that no one should be separated from God because of any disabilities.
‘Millions of memories’
The spirit of this ministry is highlighted in the Gospel of St. Matthew chosen by Bishop O’Connell for Mrs. Romanello’s funeral: “But Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”
“There is an old Hebrew proverb that goes something like this: ‘Say not in grief that she is no more; rather, live in thankfulness that she was,’” Bishop O’Connell said. “RoseAnna Romanello was … and in our hearts and memories, she was and remains a beloved mother, a wife, daughter, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, parishioner, neighbor and friend. Let us live in thankfulness to God for her life, her gifts, the time we had with her, the memories that she gave us. Rest in peace, RoseAnna. The time has come for you to return to the Lord and to join Angelo once more, in your eternal home.”
Bishop O’Connell offered the family the condolences of so many priests who knew her but couldn’t be there. Adding his own personal remembrance, he said, “There are millions of memories and stories about RoseAnna among us.” Since meeting her 14 years ago when he became Bishop of Trenton, “she never forgot to send me a card on my birthday, anniversaries, or holidays. She never forgot me, and I won’t forget her, either.”
A mentor ahead of her time
Bruce Salmestrelli, a fellow parishioner, said Mrs. Romanello “was way ahead of her time in providing for the needs of these children at a time when programs like this were not even available in the school system.”
Pat Hertz, who has been involved with the Center for Learning at St. Justin Martyr Church, Toms River, for over 40 years and is on the Catechesis Committee of the Holy Innocents Society, spoke warmly of Mrs. Romanello as a mentor to her. “She was a truly remarkable woman who was so supportive to others.” This was at a time with no internet and no resources readily available the way they are today, Hertz said. Each person needed to create their own manuals and resources, but Mrs. Romanello was quick to share. “She made life easier.”
Born in Trenton, Mrs. Romanello resided in Ewing for the past 68 years. For 25 years, she resided in New York City and was employed as a legal secretary for the Law Firm of Otterbourg, Steindler, Houston & Rosen.
Mrs. Romanello was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Rose Mastrosimone Lumia; her husband; and her brother, Angelo Lumia. She is survived by her two daughters, Deborahann (Nicholas) Solimando, and Diane (David) Glover; grandchildren, Jennifer (Stephen) Bergenfeld, Gina (Ralph) Patrone and Hailey (Kristofer) Gould; and six great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org; or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, www.t2t.org. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.brennafuneralhome.com.