10/24/2006

Edmund J. Romito Sr.

October 23, 2006

OFDA received word this morning Edmund J. Romito Sr. "EJ" age 89, lifelong resident of Bedford, Ohio, died Monday, October 23, 2006, at Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights, Ohio.

EJ served in the Coast Guard as a Chief Machinist Mate during WWII and as an Advisor to the Supt. of Korean Coast Guard Shipyard during the Korean War. He received an award from the South Korean Government for his service and dedication to there country. EJ was Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds Bedford City Schools. One of his favorite sayings to his employee's "if lighting would strike it would kill the whole bunch of you." He was a Captain of the Bedford Volunteer Fire Department; he was an avid golfer and help start the Bedford Golf Association. He enjoyed fishing and hunting in Ohio and at his cabin named the Bedford Grey Lodge in Tionesta, Pennsylvania.

After moving into a house near the Funeral Home owned by his son Edmund J. Romito Jr. and family, EJ could be seen watering the flowers or checking the lights outside always willing to tell anyone who would listen it was his job to take care of the things. On Friday before his death he pointed out something to Ed that needed attending to, it would be his last duties there at the Funeral Home.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary (nee Melnick), son Fred Romito, brother Fred Romito and Sister Anita Romito. He is survived by his son Edmund J. (Beatrice) Romito of Aurora, Ohio; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren and Sister Mary Fink of Bedford.

Memorials can be made to the Bedford School Foundation 475 Northfield, Road, Bedford, Ohio 44146 or Bedford Historical Society Endowment Fund P.O. Box 46282, Bedford, Ohio 44146.

Arrangements are by Johnson Romito Funeral Home, 521 Broadway Avenue, Bedford, Ohio, where the family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and from 7:00 to 9:00 PM Thursday, October 26, 2006. Funeral service will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church on Friday, October 27, 2006 at 9:30 AM. Interment will be at Bedford Cemetery in Bedford, Ohio