WATERTOWN-The family of Mario Romano, age 85, of Watertown, shares the news of his peaceful passing on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Waterbury Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Arcangela (DiSisto) Romano. 

Mario was born October 5, 1940, in Sassinoro, Italy, the beloved son of the late Antonio and Modestina (Focareta) Romano. From humble beginnings, he brought his strong work ethic to the United States in 1958, embarking on a journey by boat that would lead him to create a wonderful life.

Mario dedicated many years to working- he found pride in his work for various companies, in his early years with P/Kaufman and then in his later years as a custodian at Swift Middle School. Mario loved The New York Yankees above all and enjoyed many games at Yankee Stadium. He was also an avid fan of the New York Giants, and the UConn women's basketball team. His Italian heritage flourished in his love for his garden, making homemade Italian sausage, wine and sauce. He looked forward to Sunday lunch with his family and family holidays. Christmas Day Tombola was always a highlight; he was deeply involved with his loved ones, especially his grandchildren, whom he adored and supported passionately at their sporting and life events. He found joy in trips back to Italy and to Rhode Island and Cape Cod with his family and getaways to Sandals resorts with his beloved wife. He was a proud member of the Cercemaggiore Club and looked forward to the winter scopa league (champion 2024 and 2026!) and years of volunteering at the feast. He will be dearly missed but forever cherished in the hearts of those who knew him. 

Left to honor and cherish his memory, besides his loving wife of 60 years, are his children; Lisa Pocesta and her husband Afrim of Watertown, and Silvia Ouellette and her husband Douglas of Bethlehem, his grandchildren Gabriella, Marissa, Dilan, Cierra, Samantha, Aidan, Brianna, Elyse, Amelia, and his great-grandson Bennett. He also leaves his cherished sister Mary DiSisto and her husband Bruno of Watertown, brothers Pasquale Romano of North Carolina and Rocco Romano and his wife, Debbie of Oakville, his brother and sister-in-laws; Flora DiSisto and Bartolomeo DiSisto, both of Italy, his niece, Giuseppina DiSisto of MA, and his nephew, Silvio DiSisto of New York, in addition to his many other nieces, nephews, and other extended family members and beloved friends. He was predeceased by his daughter, Modestina “Tina” DiBuccio and his brother, Domenic Romano.

Funeral services for Mr. Romano will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Disciples Parish, Saint Mary Magdalen Church, 16 Buckingham Street Oakville. Those planning to attend are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Watertown. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and visit with his family on Friday evening from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Casey O’Neill Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 742 Main St, Oakville, CT 06779. To honor Mario’s memory and in lieu of flowers donations to the Cercemaggiore Club – Scholarship Fund, 550 Sylvan Lake Rd, Oakville, CT 06779 would be greatly appreciated by the family. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved Mario to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family or honor their loved one’s memory with floral arrangements and other gifts of condolence.