Francis H. Roman Jr.

On September 20, 2024, Francis H. Roman, Jr., while holding the hand of his wife, Barbara, entered the gates of heaven. “Frank” and Barbara were childhood sweethearts and were married for an extraordinary 60 years.

Born in Bridgeport, CT he is predeceased by his parents, Francis H. Roman,Sr. and Louise Brandtmeyer, his sister, Francine Roman and his brother, William Roman. He attended parochial grammar school in Bridgeport, CT, and parochial high school in Athol Springs, NY.

Frank leaves behind his wife, Barbara Olson Roman, as well as two sons: Charles (Lisa) Roman of Old Saybrook, CT and Glenn (Maggie) Roman of Huntersville, NC. Frank thoroughly enjoyed his granddaughters: Rebecca Contreas (Chris) of Murrieta, CA; Madelyn Roman of NYC; Cassandra Roman of Fort Mill, SC; Sophia Roman of Old Saybrook, CT; and Grace Roman of Groton, CT. He also reaped great joy watching his young grandson, Brooks Roman of Huntersville, NC grow, teaching him to embrace life. He has two great grandchildren: Elsa Contreas and Roman Contreas, both of Marietta, CA. His greatest pride was his family and he leaves behind a legacy of love, commitment, and laughter.

Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Frank began his career in transportation. After years of work on the docks, driving, dispatch, operations, and sales, he opened a successful transportation brokerage business in 2001. The business grew into a million-dollar enterprise which he sold and retired with Barbara.

Always an athlete, Frank was recognized for his skills on third base, judo training with his sons, weightlifting, jogging, and swimming. He enjoyed gardening, creating flower beds that were the envy of the neighborhood. He excelled in baseball and softball and went onto coaching his sons’ teams. “Coach Frank” helped bring the Seymour Babe Ruth 1981 All Star Team a State Championship, ultimately reaching the New England regional finals. He was truly a “players coach” who made players believe in themselves, gifts they have held onto as adults.

Frank and Barbara retired to Sun City, SC where he became one of the top pool players in the community. He was dubbed “Frankie the Hat” by his team. Known for his quick wit and infectious sense of humor, he had an ability to find joy in everyday moments and for his more than occasional mischievous streak. An avid reader of history who enjoyed a great cigar and a sip of scotch, he was an active listener who loved authentic people.

A celebration of Frank’s life will take place at Grace Episcopal Church, 336 Main St., Old Saybrook, CT on Saturday, November 2 at 10 am. The service will be followed by a reception where family and friends will gather to share stories, laughter, and love, just as he would have wanted.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Grace Episcopal Church in honor of Frank.