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Joseph Peter Romanosky Sr. of Cape Canaveral, Florida, formerly of Southampton, died on February 10 at his daughter’s home in Elijay, Georgia, after a short illness. A well-known basketball coach and assistant principal at Southampton High School for many years, he was 83.
Affectionately called “Big RaMO” by his family and friends, Mr. Romanosky was born in Donora, Pennsylvania, on March 5, 1925. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and married his wife Maryann. After serving his country, he returned to the States and attended St. Bonaventure University where he received his bachelor and master of science degrees in education.
He was a second round draft pick for the Baltimore Colts in 1950, but decided to accept a teaching assignment in Angelica, New York, where he taught high school social studies and coached football. He also played semi-professional football on weekends as a second job.
In 1958, Mr. Romanosky moved his family to Southampton where he accepted a position as a high school social studies teacher. He also taught driver’s education, coached varsity football and basketball and refereed high school baseball games. Many students remember his Red Cross swimming lessons and jumping into the Shinnecock Canal as a rite of passage. At the time of his retirement, he held the position of assistant principal of the Southampton High School.
Coach Romanosky’s Southampton High School Mariner basketball teams were legendary. They held many state and Long Island records including a 68-game winning steak that has yet to be equaled. The team regularly beat larger teams on Long Island and won many Suffolk County Championships.
At the time, there were no state championships games.
Mr. Romanosky is a member of the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame and many other organizations relating to basketball, football and education. He has been honored at the local, state and national levels for his coaching accomplishments.
In addition to his trademark bow tie and his lucky green jacket, everyone knew “Big RaMO” for his positive attitude, his ability to make people smile and especially for his unending repertoire of jokes. According to survivors, he was always the life of the party and will be remembered for his towering physical presence, good heart and exceptional coaching ability. He knew how to coach children in sports and especially in life skills. He was deeply loved not only by his family, but by his students, players and friends, his family said.
Mr. Romanosky is survived by four sons, former Southampton Village mayor Joseph Romanosky Jr. and his wife, Pat, of Southampton; James Romanosky and his wife, Joanne, of Manorville; Jan Romanosky and his wife, Cindy, of Florida; and Jeffrey Romanosky of Georgia; a daughter, Jill, and her husband, Richard Schwahl, of Georgia; and 14 grandchildren, Wintress Lassiter, Michael Walters, Jared, James, Justin, Jeffrey, Jan Jr., Marissa, Heather, Scharlene, Kristi and Cara Romanosky and Ritchie and Brett Schwahl; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Maryann Romanosky, in 2005, and by a daughter, Maryann Walters.
Visitation was held on February 12 at Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home in Cocoa Beach, Florida. A funeral mass with full military honors was held on February 13 at Our Savior Church, also in Cocoa Beach, followed by burial in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. The family is planning to hold a local memorial service in Southampton this spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations toward a memorial to be placed in Our Lady of Poland Church, which can be sent to Joseph Romanosky Jr., 10 Center Street, Southampton, N.Y. 11968, would be appreciated by the family. Online remembrances can be left at www.beckmanwilliamson.com.
on Feb 18, 2009