Obituary of Dr. Patricia Regina Romano
Patricia Regina Romano, MD
July 20, 1946 – November 6, 2024
Patricia Regina Romano, MD, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at the age of 78. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, celebrated pathologist, and lover of the Arts. She lived a rich and full life.
Patricia was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, on July 20, 1946, to Dr. Frank and Phyllis Romano. She always maintained strong ties to New Jersey – particularly her beloved Long Beach Island – but her life’s journey took her across the globe, living in Rome, Sicily, Bedford Hills, New York, and most recently in New York City. Each place contributed ingredients to a moveable feast and left an indelible mark on her lifelong journey.
Her early years in Plainfield were the start of a life marked by a deep love for learning, culture, and compassion. She began her academic journey at St. Bernard’s in Plainfield, New Jersey, followed by high school at Mount St. Mary’s Academy in Watchung, New Jersey. Upon graduating, she attended Alfred University, where her educational pursuits – and her interest in medicine – flourished.
Eager to expand her horizons following her undergraduate studies, Patricia pursued her medical degree at Sapienza Universita’ di Roma, even though she spoke no Italian. Undaunted, she immersed herself in her studies, the Italian language, and the unparalleled cultural heritage of Italy, becoming fluent in all three. It was in Rome that she met the love of her life, Dr. Alfio Raciti. Their shared passion for medicine and intellectual pursuits led to a devoted marriage, filled with decades of love, mutual admiration, and countless cherished memories.
Patricia was a decorated Pathologist, devoting her entire 45-year career to the practice and advancement of the field. She held numerous leadership roles across private practice and commercial laboratories, earning a reputation as a dedicated pathologist and an insightful leader. These roles include having served as the Chief Medical Officer at CDS Laboratories and Shiel Diagnostics.
Pathology was more than a career for Patricia. It was a vocation. She practiced this vocation through her mentorship of countless younger pathologists on their own professional journeys, and through her involvement in numerous Pathological societies, from the College of American Pathologists to the American Society of Clinical Pathology, well into her retirement. Chief among these was her work as Secretary of the New York Pathological Society, where she contributed her expertise and enthusiasm for medical advancement, beginning in 2013 and continuing into the months immediately preceding her death. The NYPS said the following about Patricia:
“She was a leading guide for the NYPS and a pillar of the society, and cared deeply about the society. She worked hard to rejuvenate the society and assure its continued existence. She was the heart and brain of the society and impressed us all with her dedication to the society.
“Patricia fully embraced her role, worked tirelessly and effectively at every detail and continued caring even until a few weeks ago, while she was significantly challenged by her illness.”
Patricia’s life was enriched by a profound appreciation for the arts and intellectual exploration. She was a longtime supporter of the New York Philharmonic, the New York City Ballet, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as many other significant cultural organizations. Her love of the Arts began early – in high school she spent her weekends as a docent at Lincoln Center – and remained throughout her life. It is a love she shared with her opera-loving Italian husband, and joyfully instilled in her daughter and, more recently, her granddaughter.
Her intellectual curiosity was boundless and took on many forms. She enjoyed debating the topics of the day in an informed and nuanced manner. She loved gardening and cooking, but went well beyond simply tending her floral sanctuary or cooking restaurant-quality, multi-course meals for friends and family, to consistently devour knowledge of horticultural biology or the chemistry behind cooking. And she was a devoted player of The New York Times crossword puzzle, completing it every single day.
Though her intellectual and professional accomplishments were vast, Patricia’s greatest joy was her family – in particular her daughter, also named Patricia. She showed her daughter the world, and took tremendous pride in her daughter Patricia’s early sophistication, graceful demeanor, and academic and professional accomplishments. Both pathologists, the two relished the opportunity to “talk shop”. And well into her later years she would recount fond memories of then 8-year-old Patricia falling asleep for the entirety of the Philharmonic’s 150th Opening Night Celebration or enjoying high tea at London’s Dorchester Hotel with then 12-year-old Patricia.
Dr. Patricia Regina Romano is survived by her devoted husband, Dr. Alfio Raciti; her adoring daughter, Dr. Patricia Raciti, and her loving son-in-law, Brian DeCenzo; and her treasured grandchildren, Giuliana and Alessandro. She is also survived by her two brothers, Frank “Rick” (Diane) Romano and Paul (Stacey) Romano. She left an indelible mark on all who knew her and will be remembered fondly for her compassion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to her family and profession.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 13, from 4pm to 8pm at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069. A Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 10am at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, 980 Park Ave., New York, NY 10028, followed by entombment at Somerset Hills Memorial Park, 95 Mount Airy Rd., Basking Ridge, NJ 07920.
Memorial donations may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, or Susan G. Komen for the Cure, in honor of Patricia’s lifelong dedication to medicine and the well-being of others.
