Obituary of John L. Roman
John L. Roman, 67 of Joliet, Illinois, was called to Heaven on Saturday, February 17, 2018. God let him know he needed a carpenter and handyman upstairs. He passed away peacefully at home, after a day of spending time with his brother and sisters, his love of more than 35 years, Mary (nee Bartelt) Roman and his daughters, Kristi (Searle) and Kelly (McShaffrey).
Born January 21, 1951, in Passaic, New Jersey, John moved with his parents, John and Rita Roman, and his siblings Rose (Dent), Madge (Liker), Rita (Martin-Lincoln), Rich (Roman) and Debra (Filippo), to Mokena, Illinois in 1956. Raised in Mokena, John graduated from Lincoln-Way High School in 1969, and began his career working at Texaco. In 1972 he married his former wife Colleen (nee Hausser) Steck, and later became a father to daughters Kristi and Kelly.
Always wanting to do things his way, John later decided to pursue his passion of carpentry and became a self-employed General Contractor. John Roman and Associates provided remodeling, home improvement and construction services throughout the New Lenox and Joliet area for years. Most recently, John worked in maintenance at Our Lady of Angels Senior Living Community, retiring two years ago.
John always kept busy, “taking care of business”, starting each day making his to do list over a cup of coffee. He was a wonderful cook, enjoyed baking, trying out new recipes and perfecting his favorites. He loved spending time outdoors; doing yard work, house projects or sitting in his favorite spot on his deck, enjoying his pond, with his “Sweets” Mary by his side. An avid fisherman, Northern Wisconsin was a special vacation spot for him and Mary. Enjoying fishing all day and savoring a good supper club dinner in the evening, Land O’ Lakes was a favorite destination.
A son, brother, husband, father and grandfather to eight grandkids, John lived life on his own terms, making many friends along the way. With an Old Style and cigarette in hand, he always had a story to tell, a song to sing and a laugh to share -- these memories will be treasured by all of those who knew and loved him.
The family would like to thank his excellent support staff at Presence Cancer Center and the Infusion Department at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center for their care -- these special ladies always brought a smile to his face.
John’s family invites you to pay your respects on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. Memorials in his name to Shriners Hospitals for Children would be appreciated. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
