Francis J. Romance

Captain Francis J. Romance, PhD, passed away at home on October 13, 2025 surrounded with love, family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved Ann Pickert Romance of Batavia, NY. He is survived by his “little sister” Marcy, his four children, Mary Romance, Chris Romance, Julie Maimone, Kevin (Kathy) Romance, and 7 grandchildren, Colette, Angel, Michael, and Max Maimone, and Meghan, Patrick, and Caitlynn Romance. He cherished his friends and his extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins, including those across the Atlantic. They were a part of his heart throughout his entire life, including his last days.

A native of Orchard Park, NY, Mr. Romance was the seventh of nine children. He loved and was proud of each of his siblings, including four older brothers who served in various theaters during World War II. After graduation from Orchard Park High School, he attended Notre Dame University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1954, and a Master of Arts in 1956. On August 11, 1956, he married Ann Pickert, traveling the next day to Florida, where he entered Officer Candidate School for the Navy. His first tour as an active duty Naval Intelligence Officer brought them to Morocco, where their first child, Mary, was born. He and Ann returned to the States, and after retiring from active duty Naval service, he moved with his family to Cleveland as an Instructor and Research Associate at John Carroll University. Moving to the Washington, D.C. area in 1966, he joined the Defense Intelligence Agency. He completed his PhD in International Relations at Georgetown University in 1967. As a Defense Analyst for DIA, the primary focus of his career was Sino-Soviet relations and later, counternarcotics. He remained in the Naval Reserves until his retirement in 1980. He served under many presidents of both parties, always with the same dedication to the American ideals he so steadfastly served.

Mr. Romance’s lifelong dedication to and love of his family was imbued with and guided by his deep Catholic faith. He believed deeply in the Country he served, and always proudly wore his US Navy Veteran’s hat at every opportunity. He appreciated being thanked for his service, but even more, he loved the conversations that would ensue. The twinkle in his eye at unraveling the stories of others was always there and was one his most-loved qualities.

We remember him fondly for (in no particular order): Mr. (not Captain or Doctor unless warranted by the occasion); 1948 Seventeen Magazine cover (1st male on the cover!); black licorice; cashews tucked away in the drawer; the sunroom, the woods behind the house on Sunny Hill Court and walks to the Potomac River; wanting (and at 84 finally getting) a convertible; Alsace; snuggles and playtime with grandkids; sitting room; azaleas; Chez Francois; yellow highlighters, Post-It tabs, and folded papers; backyard fish pond; his dad’s wood-working tools, the more modern Shopsmith, wood turning, and home improvement; Notre Dame Glee Club and any other opportunity to sing; St. Luke’s Choir (more singing); Library of Congress; Police Squad (Airplane, too), Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Carol Burnett-the man loved to laugh; saving EVERYTHING; clink-clink; full candy bowls; Oklahoma, 1776, High Society, and the Music Man; “oh boy oh boy oh boy”; pocket full of pens; “so forth and so on”; “it was the darnedest thing”; the Benzinger brothers; friends of Frank; Knights of Columbus; more singing; manhattan’s with plenty of cherries; every available pamphlet EVER; Rocco’s pizza on thursday nights; Annie-Darlin’; “love you forever plus 10 days.”

Good night, God Bless, we love you, and sweet dreams…

In lieu of flowers, please send donations if desired to:

Students for Life of America (studentsforlife.org)

Angelus Academy (angelusacademy.org)

The Sycamore Trust (sycamoretrust.org)

Viewing

Friday, 24 October 2025, 5-8 pm

Money & King Funeral Home

171 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180

Funeral Mass

Saturday, 25 October 2025, 11 am

St. Veronica’s Catholic Church

3460 Centreville Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151

A Visitation/Viewing will be at St. Veronica’s 10-11 am prior to Mass.

Reception

Saturday, 25 October 2025 12-2 pm

St. Veronica’s Hall

Captain Romance will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. His Annie waits for him there.