Johanna C. Romano

On May 31, 1947, at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church, Houtzdale, she was married to Ralph J. Romano (Tyrone High School, Class of 1940). They were married for 67 years, all of which they resided in Tyrone.

She is survived by three children: Christopher of Altoona, Cynthia (Larry) Borda of Yarley and Cheryl (Ken Lee) in Virginia; three granddaughters; and a grandson.

She was preceded in death by her husband; eight sisters; and four brothers. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

“Jo,” as she was known to her friends, was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church and the first in her family to graduate high school (Osceola Mills, Class of 1943). She went on to study at Shadyside School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, where she graduated as a registered nurse in 1946.

Jo was a dedicated nurse for 43 years with her first years at Mercy Hospital in Altoona. In 1954, she was chosen as one of the initial 10 nurses to provide care at the newly opened Tyrone Hospital, where she remained throughout her career. During the polio epidemic, her nursing skills were singled out to administer the polio vaccine to all the children at the former Adams Elementary School. In 1976, she was formally acknowledged by the town of Tyrone for selflessly volunteering to care for children during the Bicentennial Celebration so that others could participate in the celebratory events. As a working mom, Jo spent most of her later career in the medical-surgical department as a relief supervisor. In 1986, she received an Outstanding Service Award, and in 1987, she was recognized by her peers with the Eleanor Haag Nurse of the Year Award for Outstanding Performance in Clinical Nursing.

After retirement, Jo enjoyed many years traveling both domestically and internationally, bowling with her senior league and volunteering to deliver countless meals-on-wheels to those in need. Of her many creative skills, cooking and gardening were where she truly excelled. A lifelong sports fan, Jo always looked forward to watching major tennis matches, college and pro football and ice skating. Sharp-witted, she could spend hours talking about the details and personal background of the athletes.

Friends will be received from 10 until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, April 10, 2026, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, with Father Michael Pleva officiating. Interment at Oak Grove Cemetery will be made following the Mass.

Arrangements are by Richard H. Searer Funeral Home Inc., Tyrone.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1105 Cameron Ave., Tyrone, PA 16686.

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