Joseph J. Romano, Jr.

Joseph J Romano Jr, 81, passed peacefully on Sunday June 7th, 2026, with family by his side. Joe was born to Joseph J Romano Sr and Rafaela Galgano on September 11, 1944, in Brooklyn, NY. He left NYC to attend Mount St Mary’s College in Emmitsburg MD, class of 1966. Immediately after college, he became an active-duty army officer at DIA for two years. He then joined the Agency as a civilian where he would spend the entirety of his 36-year federal career. In addition to a DIA career, Joe served for 24 years as an Army Reservist, retiring as a full colonel in the 90’s.
Joe found his calling at DIA, excelling as an intelligence professional and senior executive officer, and was known for taking care of his people. He received many intelligence awards including the DIA Director’s Award and the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Achievement. Joe visited more than 40 countries, to include a tour in London. After retirement, he accompanied his wife and daughter for a tour in Jordan and the Netherlands.
A family man, he raised two children, Joe and Jean, from his first marriage and then started again at 57 with another daughter, Christina. He was an involved father coaching sports teams, chauffeuring, and being an overall ardent supporter. Joe was always a huge sports fan including baseball, basketball, and golf. He loved animals including his two cats Max and Sam and dog Rocco. He also loved to eat with a penchant for hot pastrami sandwiches. Joe was a generous, warm person, the life of the party, who loved to make people smile.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marybeth McDevitt; three children, Jean Duffy, Joseph Romano III, and Christina Romano; sister, Rosemary Goodman; four grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held at Money and King Funeral Home on Friday June 12th. He will eventually be interned at Arlington Cemetery. Flowers appreciated but we equally encourage donations made in his name at goodwinhospice.org