Obituary of Robert Romagna

Robert A. Romagna an Attorney in Miami passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 16, 2011. He was 58 years old. Robert was born and raised in Cambridge. He was an excellent student and graduated in the top in his class at Cambridge High and Latin. He went onto to graduate from Harvard University receiving his degree in Government. He was a member of Harvard’s renowned Hasting Pudding Club. He then went to the University of Miami where he earned his Law Degree. He loved the Miami’s warm climate and diverse culture and thus had made Miami his home for the past 35 years. He opened his own practice, Robert A. Romagna, P.A. He specialized in civil litigation. He dedicated his life to his career and his clients, whom he passionately represented. Robert had a great interest in politics and government. Robert is survived by his parents Peter P. & Louise G Romagna of Burlington. He was the loving brother of Andrea McCarthy & her husband Frank of Lexington and Gary Romanga & his wife Connie of Burlington. Devoted uncle of Christopher, Peter, Gregory & Daniel Romagna and Lia McCarthy. Also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, May 21 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 12 Noon. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment will be private. Memorials in Robert’s name may be made to Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, 386 Park Avenue South, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10016 www.ccfa.org or National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Great N. E. Chapter, 101A First Ave., Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451 www.nationalmssociety.org Words of Remembrance by Andrea On behalf of my mother, father and brother, Gary, I thank you all for coming to say goodbye to our beloved Robert. It seems that most people remember him for his kindness, generosity, intelligence and wit. . Robert’s compassion and championship for the underdog have deep roots, originating in his childhood. At nine years old, he chastised a neighbor who beat her child in public in our crowded city neighborhood and threatened to report her to Child Protective Services. The seeds of the future lawyer were sown early. . Robert grew up surrounded by a close-knit Italian family on both sides. He loved our mother, father, brother and me… probably in that order. He was full of energy and enthusiasm always. He collected stamps, coins, jokes, and baseball cards and statistics. Once, he was so convinced that he had acquired a valuable coin, even though he was discouraged by adults, that he traveled to Jordan Marsh alone and traded it for fifty dollars. . Robert loved to laugh. He subscribed to children’s humor magazines and honed his joke-telling ability to a fine point. He could be hilarious, especially with an appreciative audience such as our sweet cousin, Diane. His generosity was a key feature of his personality. He bought presents for everyone all the time. He loved showering my parents, Gary, me his niece and nephews and his friends with gifts ranging from cash, outfits, designer purses, perfume, movie cameras, commemorative coins and plates and even Omaha Steaks and memberships in fruit and beer of the month clubs. The possessor of a brilliant and eclectic mind, Robert could converse fluently on any topic. His prowess as a student and personal charisma earned him a spot at Harvard University much to the delight of our immediate and extended families. His graduations from Harvard and from the University of Miami Law School were shared high points for my mother, father, brother and me. As proprietor of his own law firm, Robert continued to display his intellect and compassion in the service of his clients. Quotes from the obituary guest books of The Boston Globe and The Miami Herald include testaments to his character and talent. One colleague wrote, “I worked on some cases with Robert and he always put the client first.” Another said, “I wish I had the pleasure of knowing more lawyers like Robert.” For Gary and me, although I am the older and he the younger sibling, Robert was a larger than life figure. We never knew what he would do next, from running for Cambridge City Council while a college undergrad to deciding to move his life to Miami. He was, however, always a compelling figure. Although he will never leave our hearts, we bid his physical presence goodbye as Shakespeare did that of Hamlet, “Good night, sweet Prince, And flights of Angels sing thee to thy sleep.”