Monique A. (Athanasiu) Romeo of Hampton Bays Dies August 23

Monique A. (Athanasiu) Romeo died peacefully on August 23 at her home in Hampton Bays. She was 91.

Born Monica Sanda Mirei Athanasiu in Bucharest, Romania, on October 20, 1932, she was the cherished daughter of Colonel Constantin Athanasiu and Lilly (nee Tutunaru) and the beloved sister of Dan Athanasiu Marshall.

In 1942, amidst the rise of communism in Romania, she and her family fled to France. During this tumultuous period, she adopted the name Monique and contributed to the Marshall Plan, setting the stage for a remarkable journey. In 1952, the family arrived in the United States, where Monique began her career as a language instructor at Cornell University and later as an announcer for Radio Free Europe.

On January 2, 1956, she married Alfred Romeo, and together they built a life full of achievements, deep friendships and love. From 1960 to 1990, she made her mark at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, where she broke new ground as the first female banquet manager and later owned the renowned Monique of the Waldorf beauty salon.

In 1979, she and her husband moved to Long Island, where she launched a successful real estate business. Over the years, she developed over 150 homes and waterfront properties, leaving a lasting legacy in the community.

She was predeceased by her husband Alfred (2019); and her brother Dan (2009). She is survived by her devoted family and friends, all of whom will deeply miss her devotion and vibrant presence.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on August 25 from 3-7 p.m. at the O’Connell-Rothwell Funeral Home in Southampton. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 26, at 10 a.m. at the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons, followed by interment at Cypress Hill Cemetery in Brooklyn.