In Loving Memory of George Romagnoli

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of one of the best men to ever enter our lives. On August 16, George left us on his own terms and moved on to his next chapter, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, friendship, and family that will live on in the many lives he touched.

George was many things to many people: a friend, a mentor, a husband, a brother, a son, a Stad, and a Pops. In every role he embraced, he brought with him a positive perspective, a gentle spirit, and a quiet but powerful sensitivity that those fortunate enough to know him understood and treasured.

Although his biological family was small, George believed family extended far beyond blood. His community was his family. Throughout his life, he welcomed countless people into it. His passion and purpose were simple: to serve others and to leave every place—and every person—better because he had been there.

George lost his father when he was a young man. His mother, Hedy, enrolled him in the Boy Scouts of America so he could continue to have positive father figures during such an important time in his life.

Scouting became far more than an activity for George. It became part of who he was. Until the day he died, he remained an active participant in the Boy Scouts of America.

That commitment to service became the foundation for a remarkable 40-year career dedicated to community development, affordable housing, and providing services to people experiencing homelessness and underserved communities.

George did not simply work in these communities—he became part of them. Nearly every person he had the privilege of meeting became, in some way, part of his extended family.

His years at Admiral Farragut Academy, Stetson University, and Florida State University also gave George something he valued immensely: lifelong friendships that were more accurately described as brotherhoods. The bonds he formed throughout his life were deep, lasting, and treasured.

George’s first marriage to Summer gave him the opportunity to become a Stad—a loving term coined by Mykaila and Mykenzie because he was so much more than a stepfather.

Later, his marriage to Melanie brought three more daughters into his life: Kayci, Kelly, and Katie. He proudly became a Pops to their children, embracing each grandchild with the same love and devotion he gave so freely to everyone around him.

George leaves behind his sisters and brother, Leonora, Richard, and Cheryl; their children; and the many cousins he loved immensely and was so proud to call family. He was also deeply loved by Melanie’s parents, who welcomed him and loved him as a son, and by her brother, who razzed him exactly as a brother should.

And then there was Melanie.

Over the years, George patiently endured her shenanigans and somehow always managed to find her funny—even if she was a bit miffed on occasion. He never raised his voice to her. He treated her with the utmost respect and placed her on a pedestal, even when she believed it was he who deserved to be placed there.

Through George, Melanie was welcomed into an extended family whose love, kindness, and grace have been immeasurable. Although they were not connected by blood, the loss they feel is every bit as deep.

George’s greatest legacy will not be measured by titles, accomplishments, or years of service.

It will be measured by the people who were better because they knew him, the families he helped, the children he served, the friendships he nurtured, and the countless people who will carry a piece of him forward.

He believed in leaving things better than he found them.

He did exactly that.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor George by continuing the legacy of service that meant so much to him.

Memorial gifts may be made to either of two organizations that reflect causes close to George’s heart: