Dr. Robert J. Romano passed away unexpectedly on July 10, 2025, at his home in Duxbury, MA.  As a clinical psychologist,he recently retired from a long career of work he loved, dedicated to helping others through challenging life issues.

Robert was born in 1936 in Amsterdam, NY, to Lena and Daniel Romano. Shortly thereafter the family moved to Schenectady, NY, where he attended public schools. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1954 with academic honors and as President of the Senior Class, co-Captain of the football team--and the only member of the team selected for the All-County Football Team. Following graduation, Robert chose to enter training for priesthood, abandoning opportunities to play collegiate football.  He completed studies at Dunwoodie Seminary in Yonkers, NY, with a Master’s Degree in Moral Theology, summa cum laude, and was ordained a priest for the Albany, NY, diocese in 1962.

He served the Albany Diocese in several capacities including parish work, teaching and as Chaplain at RPI.  After receiving a Master’s Degree in Counseling at Siena College, he was appointed to the staff of the newly created Pastoral Counseling Center.  Receiving a doctorate degree in counseling psychology from Boston University, Robert relocated to the Boston area and served the Boston Archdiocese through parish and administrative work.

After leaving the priesthood in the early 1970’s, Robert pursued his career as a psychologist in the Boston area.  In this capacity, he directed and provided psychological services as Director of the Developmental Disabilities Unit, and later as Superintendent of Boston State Hospital. Following a planned closure of the Hospital, he worked as a Clinical Psychologist with Family Counseling and Guidance Centers in Boston and in Braintreeand developed his private counseling practice.   He joined the faculty at Boston College, teaching and training both undergraduates and graduate students. After leaving Boston College, he continued his private practice until 2024.

Robert married Kathleen in 1974 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year.  He is predeceased by his parents and is survived by his wife, his sister, Sr. Geraldine Romano of the order of the Religious Teachers Filippini, Morristown, NJ;and his brother, Dr. John Romano of St. Paul, MN. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews who reside across the United States.

Visiting hours are from 5-7p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Shepherd Funeral Home, Main Street, Kingston, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Holy Family Church, Duxbury, MA, and will be streamed at WWW.HOLYFAMILYDUXBURY.ORG. Burial at Mayflower Cemetery in Duxbury.  Additional information is available at shepherdfuneralhome.com