Richard A. "Rich" Rome's Obituary
Richard “Rich” Allen Rome of Milwaukee, WI., died peacefully on June 16, 2025, at the age of 86.
Rich (or Dick) grew up in Milwaukee, WI and graduated from Washington High School in 1956. He married Norma Marie Mousseau in 1961 and they raised their three children in West Allis and Brown Deer, Wisconsin. While living in the Milwaukee area, Rich worked at a steel mill for Babcock & Wilcox for over 25 years. After the 3 boys left Milwaukee for college, Rich and Norma moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to start a new journey in the Golden State.
In California, Rich and Norma truly enjoyed their new home, taking advantage of all it had to offer. Rich had a second satisfying 25-year career in the Bay Area as a steel salesman at Reliance Sheet & Strip, working with people he truly enjoyed and respected. He loved his work colleagues and his many steel customers, where his gregarious personality and easy sense of humor were on full display.
His beloved wife Norma passed away unexpectedly in March 2011. Two years later he retired for good and pursued the couple’s longtime dream of moving to Hawaii. Rich quickly made new friends on Lanikai Beach in Oahu, where he lived for seven relaxing, sun-drenched years. In 2020, Rich moved back to the mainland, settling down in Norton Shores, Michigan near his oldest son.
The son of a professional baseball player, Rich, was an avid sports fan. He supported the Bay Area professional and collegiate teams, while still supporting his Wisconsin teams such as the Green Bay Packers and Marquette basketball team. A lover of American classic cars, his first was his beloved powder blue ’57 Chevy and his last was a Ford Thunderbird he drove in Kailua, Hawaii.
Richard is survived by his three sons; Jeffrey (Missoule) Rome, Mark (Rita) Rome and Bruce Rome; sister, Patty Rome; brother, Tommy Rome; and youngest sister, Sue (Bill) Marten. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Isaac and Colin; and two great-grandchildren, Ace and Dylan. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Marie (Mousseau) Rome; and his parents, Richard “Hap” and Catherine Rome.
A Memorial Service for Rich will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 with visitation one-hour prior. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Rich's name to the American Kidney Fund or the American Heart Association. Share memories with the family at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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