Paul Peter Romanello Jr, 100, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2023, surrounded by his family. Fondly known as Big Papa and Grandpa, he was born to Paul Sr. and Josephine Romanello on December 10, 1922, in the borough of Manhattan, city of New York "Little Italy". In1886, at the age of two, Paul's father arrived at Ellis Island from Italy with his father Dominick and stepmother Rose.

Paul graduated from high school in New York City and attended the University of Mississippi. During World War II, he was in the U.S. Army, 542nd Parachute Infantry Battalion, where he tested chutes and gliders and was later assigned as a court stenographer. In 1944, while stationed at Camp Chaffee in Fort Smith, AR, Paul met Gwen Johnson, the love of his life, at a USO dance. They celebrated seventy years of marriage.

Upon discharge from the Army, Paul worked for over thirty years with the federal government, retiring from the Corps of Engineers.

Following retirement Paul was active with American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity. He and Gwen were long time members of St. Pius X Catholic Church. He played tennis until the age of ninety and loved to exercise, read, listen to music and draw. Above all else, Paul loved his large family and we all loved him! In December 2022, Paul was honored by the Centenarians of Oklahoma celebrating his 100th birthday.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Gwen, his parents, seven brothers and sisters, son-in-law Jim Naylor and great granddaughter Angel Romanello. He is survived by sons Michael (Leigh) Romanello, Christopher (Kathy) Romanello; daughters Paula Naylor, Pam ( John) Lieber, and Jacqueline Romanello; grandchildren Jake (Tracy) Naylor, Tony (Julianne) Romanello, Katie (Ilan) Grinberg; Bryan ( Caroline) Lieber, Ben Romanello, Kim (James) Foutch, Kevin Lieber (Dan Zeehandelaar) and Shane Romanello; great-grandchildren Spencer Boals, Libby Naylor, Michael, Monica, Peter and Joseph Romanello, Molly and Brooklin Foutch, Ethan and Levi Grinberg, Sophie and Emma Lieber, Marisa Lieber Zeehandelaar; and many nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be at Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, Tulsa, on Thursday, October 5th 10 am until 5 pm. A Rosary service will be held at Church of Saint Mary Chapel in Tulsa at 7 pm Thursday, October 5th. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 1 pm Friday, October 6th at Church of Saint Mary.

Thank you to Zarrow Pointe Skilled Nursing Facility nursing staff and employees and Miller Hospice for the love, dignity and care shown to our father.

Friends may honor Paul's memory with contributions to Tulsa Meals on Wheels or a favorite charity. 100 years of a life well lived and loved!

Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151