Richard Michael Rominiecki

December 6, 1941- April 10, 2026

Richard M. Rominiecki was born in Philadelphia, PA to Ann (née Bednar) and Chester Rominiecki.  Born the day before the Pearl Harbor attack, Richard liked to say that he was born, "The day before the day that will live in infamy."  Two years later, Richard's sister Elaine was born.  Until her death, he was her life-long protector.

Richard had many childhood adventures in the Bridesburg section of Philadelphia, especially while working at his father's grocery store. He enlisted in the air force after graduating from Father Judge High School in 1959.  He served in Biloxi, MS and Japan, during which time he cultivated his talent for writing fiction, poetry, photography and painting with oil colors.

Richard moved back to Philadelphia in 1960 and attended Temple University, graduating with a degree in public relations.  He began working at Sears Roebuck writing for the employee magazine, where he met the love of his life, Emilymarie Trotter (Em).  After a year-long romance, filled with love letters and poetry, Richard and Em were married in 1968.  He and Em bought a home in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, where they lived for 35 years.  During this time, Richard and Em welcomed a son, Michael, and a daughter, Amy; son-in-law, Marshall;  daughter-in-love, Marcella; and three grandchildren, Adonia, Jessica and Jordan and great grandchildren, Amari, Josiah, and Olivia.

Throughout his life, Richard continued to paint spectacular oil canvases which detailed his travels over the years, including Portugal and New Orleans. He had a dry sense of humor, could take on anyone in trivia and told the best stories about his life. He loved the Beach Boys, jazz and classical music. His favorite foods were fried (although Em would stop him from eating as much as he would have liked).

Richard ended his public relations career at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.  After retirement, he spent his days shuttling Em to and from work and making dinner.  They downsized to a condominium in Warwick, PA after Em's retirement.  Em passed away in 2023 and Richard moved to Merchantville, NJ to be cared for by his daughter, Amy and son-in-law, Marshall.  Richard will be deeply missed by his family.  We will continue to admire his artwork in celebration of his life.