Thomas F. Romano, 78, of Arcadia, Florida passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2014, surrounded by his family.  He was born August 15, 1935 in Troy, NY.  Tom served in the US Marines as a Sergeant from 1953-1956.  He was a Korean War Veteran.  Following his return from Korea, he attended Delhi University in NY and received his degree in food service.  While at Delhi, he was also an accomplished collegiate basketball player.  He moved his family out to the Midwest to begin his food service career with Howard Johnson.  In a few short years he was chosen to open the first Ground Round restaurant in Norridge, Illinois.  In 1971, Tom was asked to relocate his family to Western, NY to oversee the opening of several Ground Round restaurants.  He quickly became the regional director and became known as "Mr. Ground Round."  He continued to work in the food service industry until he retired in 1998.  Soon after his retirement he and his wife, Margaret, relocated to Arcadia Village, Florida, in 2002.  Tom picked up where he left off and helped with food services for holiday and special occasion events at Arcadia Village.

Tom was one who liked to talk and never at a loss for words.  He could meet you and within minutes you felt like you knew him a lifetime.  Because of this, he was often referred to as "The Mayor of Arcadia Village."  His mornings started by having a cup of coffee that could make most people sprout hair on their chest.  He would then read the  paper twice while watching the news on television.  If you were fortunate enough to have coffee with him he would enthusiastically tell about what was going on in the world so that you didn't have to read the paper.  He always expressed  how much he enjoyed playing shuffleboard with his friends.  He was passionate about woodworking and making arts and crafts.  It gave him great joy to make something for his children, but he saved his best for his grandchildren.  He couldn't wait to surprise them with something so that he could see the look on their faces and feel their excitement.

In the end, with his family at his side, he died as he lived by exhibiting a sense of strength and toughness as he took his last breath.

Tom is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret Doty Romano, of Arcadia, FL, sons; Michael (Sharon) Romano, of Orlando, FL, Patrick Romano, of Lakeland, FL, Dr. James (Patricia) Romano, of Johnson, NY, daughter, Marcy (Jeff) Kral, of Irving, NY, brother, Frank (Judy) Romano, of Georgia, grandchildren; Tiffany (Andres) Aguado, Michael (Lynn) Romano, Taylor Romano, Connor Romano, Joseph Kral, Jake Romano, Jeremy Kral, great grandchildren; Bryson, Mia and Luke.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna Romano and his sister, Frances Jewett.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Tom's name to :Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ponger Kays Grady Funeral Home, Arcadia, Florida.  Online condolences can be made at http://www.pongerkaysgrady.com