BOSSIER CITY – Funeral services for Chief Master Sergeant Russell “Rusty” Joseph Romano, Jr. (USAF Ret.), 66, will be 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2014 at Rose-Neath’s Bossier Chapel. Officiating will be Father Pike Thomas of St. Jude Catholic Church. Interment will follow at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation with the family will be 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2014 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City, LA.
Rusty was born in Bogalusa, LA to Russell J. and Elizabeth Anglin Romano on August 18, 1947. He passed away March 4, 2014 at his home in Bossier City after a lengthy illness. He graduated from Bogalusa High in 1965. Upon graduation, Rusty enlisted in the US 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/Desert Shield. Later in his career he became the Senior Enlisted Advisor of Eaker Air Force Base, Blytheville, AR and Barksdale Air Force Base, Bossier City, LA. Rusty retired from the Air Force in 1996 at Barksdale AFB. After retirement, Rusty obtained certification in Nursing Home Administration and spent 14 years serving as a Nursing Home Administrator; his last job being at 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. He loved woodworking, playing golf with his children and grandchildren and spending time with his family.
Rusty is preceded in death by his parents and brother, George Anglin Romano.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Bobbie Goss Romano of Bossier City, LA; daughter, Michele Romano Lewis of Bryant, AR; son, Joey Romano of Bossier City, LA; four grandchildren, Chloe’ Romano, Christopher Lewis, Alex Romano and Zac Romano; brothers, Joe Paul Romano and wife Nan of Franklinton, LA, Bill Romano and wife Mary of Prairieville, LA and sisters-in-law, Katie Baker and Donna Forbes both of Bogalusa, LA.
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, Chaplain Keith Adcock) and to Father Pike Thomas and St. Jude Catholic Church. Also the family wishes to thank family and friends for their on-going prayers and support.
