Romeo M. Ciofani

Born in the village of Cerchio in the province of Abruzzo Italy, Romeo crossed the Atlantic at the young age of eight on the last ship departing  from Italy before WWII broke out. With his mother (Loretta) and two sisters (Eva and Fausta) on the “SS Rex” they entered America through Ellis Island where he met his father for the first time.  He embraced the American lifestyle and was very active in school and gifted athletically where he broke records for chin ups at Collinwood High School (it may still be unchallenged!) and played shortstop on the baseball team bidding for the American Legion Title in 1949. As a freshman he was the quarterback for the Collinwood junior varsity football team and was undefeated until the opposing Catholic team couldn’t stand the thought of defeat and sent in their seniors.  After high school he served his country in the United States Army and fought in the Korean War.

After the military, he started in the steel industry as an ironworker and went on to be a successful business man opening his own company, Summit Erecting, where he erected the structural steel on many buildings all around northeast Ohio.

Next to his family, golf became his passion where he played as much as he could and impressively made three hole in ones.  He built his family home overlooking the 13^th green of Manakiki golf course where he caddied as a boy.  He was very proud of this home and many family dinners were enjoyed on the front porch where passing neighbors were invited to come up and visit.  He also enjoyed dancing, traveling and singing the lyrics of the songs his wife Madge played on the piano.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 63 years Madeline (nee Thomas); loving father of Rocco (Linda), Lisa Basham, Anthony (Consuelo), Jennifer; and Bridget Zemar (Wais). Devoted grandfather of  Jennie Rose (Derrick), Carli (Chris), Mindy (Justin), Marco, Bobby, Anthony, Vincent, Sitarah, Aleah, Ava and great-grandfather of Trevor, Graden, Leona and Marshall; cherished son of Vincenzo and Loretta (nee Colantonio); dearest brother of Eva (Joe) Angelo and Fausta (Bob) Godale; dear uncle and great-uncle of many.

For those who wish, contributions may be made in Romeo’s name to Alzheimer’s Association.

Mass of Christian Burial Friday, June 18, 2021 at Sacred Heart Chapel, 28700 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe, OH 44092 at 11 AM.

Burial following with Military Honors at All Souls Cemetery.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Romeo at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) THURSDAY 4-8 PM.