Obituaries
Former Norristown Business Owner, Phillies Scout Dies
Joe Romano, of Ambler, was a co-founder of Romano Brothers produce in Norristown and landed a bit part in 'The Godfather Part II' thanks to Tommy LaSorda.
Ambler native Joe Romano, who owned three minor league baseball teams and had a bit part in “The Godfather Part II” thanks to Tommy LaSorda, passed away at his Clearwater, FL home Thursday, according to Philly.com.
Romano operated a Detroit Tigers farm team in Erie, then a Houston Astros farm team in Williamsport, and then a Boston Red Sox minor league franchise in Elmira, NY, according to the article.
Romano was an assistant scout for the Phillies since 1983, working the Mid-Atlantic region.
He was an Ambler High School graduate, and opened Romano Brothers produce in Norristown.
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A friendship with Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy LaSorda, a Norristown native, helped land Romano a bit part in “The Godfather Part II” as a customs agent alongside character Hyman Roth.
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Relatives and friends are invited to call after 9 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph's Church, Main and Poplar Streets, Ambler.
A Funeral Mass is at 10 a.m. and internment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Cheltenham.
Remembrances in Romano's name can be made to the American Cancer Society, 480 Norristown Rd., Blue Bell, 19422, or the Arthritis Foundation, 11 S. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, 19106.
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