ROMANO

Russell “Rusty” Joseph Romano Jr., 66, passed away after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at his home in Bossier City.

Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rusty Romano Jr. was born in Bogalusa on Aug. 18, 1947, to Russell J. and Elizabeth Anglin Romano. He was a 1965 graduate of Bogalusa High School, and upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he spent 30 years serving his country. While in the Air Force he was a member of the Security Police Squadron. During his tour of duty, Rusty fought in the Vietnam War and participated in Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Later in his career he became the senior enlisted advisor of Eaker Air Force Base in Blytheville, Ark., and Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City. He retired from the Air Force at Barksdale in 1996.

After his retirement, Rusty obtained certification in nursing home administration and spent 14 years serving as a nursing home administrator. His last job was with The Bradford. Rusty loved both his careers and commented often that he was fortunate in that he went from taking care of the young kids (USAF) to taking care of the old kids (the residents of his nursing homes). Everyone who knew Rusty knew his passion in life was helping others. Rusty attended St. Jude Catholic Church, and he loved woodworking, playing golf with his children and grandchildren and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Bobbie Goss Romano of Bossier City; a daughter, Michele Romano Lewis of Bryant, Ark; a son, Joey Romano of Bossier City; four grandchildren, Chloe’ Romano, Christopher Lewis, Alex Romano and Zac Romano; two brothers, Joe Paul (Nan) Romano of Franklinton and Bill (Mary) Romano of Prairieville; and sisters-in-law, Katie Baker and Donna Forbes, both of Bogalusa.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, George Anglin Romano.

Visitation with the family was held Thursday, March 6 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Bossier City from 5-7 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Friday at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Father Pike Thomas of St. Jude Catholic Church conducting the service. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.

Honoring Rusty as pallbearers will be Michael Baker, Adam Romano, Michael Paul Romano, Paul Funk, Christopher Lewis, Alex Romano and Travis Romano.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Christus Schumpert Cancer Center, Christus Schumpert Home Health and Hospice (with special thanks to Robin Watkins, Debbie Purvis and Chaplain Keith Adcock) and to Father Pike Thomas and St. Jude Catholic Church. In addition, the family wishes to thank family and friends for their ongoing prayers and support.