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Eugene Romanik

Eugene C. “Gene” Romanik, a longtime resident of Madison, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on July 19, 2024, after a long illness, with his loving family by his side. Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Maria (Berlekovic); his children, Katherine Romanik of Boston, Susan (David) Oliverio of Guilford, and Robert (Christine) Romanik of Westbrook; his grandchildren, Maria (Matthew) Humphrey and Jason (Jennifer) Oliverio of North Branford, and Jesse (Cynthia) Edwards of Hamden; seven great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Gene was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Diane Romanik, who just recently passed away after a long, heroic battle with cancer.

Gene (the “Babe”) was born on May 17, 1933, to Polish immigrants Teofil and Catherine (Micek) Romanik and grew up in New Haven with his six siblings: Genevieve, Tess, Stanley, Edward, Helen, and Joseph, all of whom have predeceased him.

Gene proudly served in the United States Navy on the USS Stormes DD780 and the USS Arcadia AD23 for four years. He went on to work for the New Haven Railroad, Conrail, and Metro-North as a claims adjuster until his retirement. Gene was not one to sit still. After his retirement, he and Maria traveled cross country several times, visiting many baseball parks and all 48 continental states. Gene was a longtime member of the Westbrook Elks, and he enjoyed bowling, playing bocce, gardening, going to casinos, and watching all kinds of sports, especially his New York Giants and the then Hartford Whalers. Mostly, though, Gene enjoyed spending time with his family. He had an amazing sense of humor and a kind and generous heart. Gene loved life, loved his family, and loved his country that he so proudly served.

A Mass of Christian burial was held on July 25 at St. Margaret’s Church, Academy Street, Madison, with burial following at West Cemetery, Jannas Lane, Madison. There were no calling hours.