Arthur Michael Romano, known by family and friends as Artie, of Norton MA, formerly of Plymouth and Pembroke MA, boarded his final first-class flight (non-rev, positive space) on February 3, 2021, joining his loving parents in eternal rest.
Artie was born on January 8, 1963 at Kenmore hospital in Boston MA to Mary Alice ‘Molly’ (Reilly) and Arturo Romano of Weymouth MA. An only child, Artie was the world and the light of his parent’s lives.
Artie and his parents moved to Indian Cliffs in Milton, MA where he lived a golden childhood; riding his dirt bikes; playing golf; and traveling with family and friends- mostly to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. This is where Artie discovered his love of flying. Artie always said as a small boy, he could never sleep the night before a vacation because he was so excited for the plane ride. This excitement followed him into adulthood.
Artie lived golden teenage years attending Thayer Academy in Braintree MA, class of 1981. Artie loved to ski (with special memories of the Thayer Academy European ski trip to the French Alps), drive his red Trans Am, perfect his golf game, and earn his pilots license at Norwood airport.
Artie earned a bachelor degree in 1985 from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida and his Master in Aeronautical Science in 1986. Along with his degrees, Artie earned his Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine rating, Commercial Certificate, Flight Instructor (CFI) and Instrument Instructor (CFII).
At ‘Riddle’, Artie flew hundreds of hours flight instructing, teaching both Riddle students as well as Air Force cadets hoping to become Air Force pilots.
During his college and grad school years, two things changed his life; he met the love of his life, Susan, and the 1986 release of the movie, ‘Topgun’ which he could quote line by line (I feel the need, the need for speed!). In 1987, Artie and Susan married and Artie took his first commuter airline position with Eastern Express (Bar Harbor Airlines) where he was first officer in the Saab 340 and had his first experience with a glass cockpit in the ATR 42. Artie was 24 years old.
After a year in the commuters, Artie was hired to fly the right seat of a Boeing 737-300 for USAir (later USAirways), based at their main hub in Pittsburgh PA. After earning enough seniority to fly a line out of Boston Logan Airport, Artie and Susan moved home. While flying the DC-9 out of Boston, Artie and Susan were blessed with a beautiful son and bought their first home in Pembroke MA. After 12 years in Pembroke, and flying various planes including the Airbus 320 where he became Captain, Artie and his family moved to Plymouth MA for the next 12 years. Artie‘s final plane before an early retirement was the Airbus 330 out of Philadelphia.
During his flying career, Artie enjoyed taking his family, his friends, and his in-laws on beautiful Caribbean vacations and cruises. Susan recalls how pilots would greet them in airports and stop to tell Susan that Artie was the greatest pilot they had ever flown with; that he always greased his landings.
Artie liked fast cars, fast planes, and the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean. But most of all, Artie loved his son. Tony was the world and the light of Artie‘s life.
Although they were no longer married, Artie & Susan remained family, speaking most mornings on Susan’s way to work.
Artie lost his fight with alcoholism, but he never lost the love of his family or his love for them. Artie was 58 years old.
Artie is survived by his son Anthony (Tony) Romano of Marshfield, his former wife Susan (McGaffigan), of Pembroke, his Reilly/O’Connell family and cousins who were siblings to him, and his friends throughout his lifetime. All who loved him ask that you only take your good memories of Artie with you. Let all painful memories go. Be assured, Artie is in his glory right now; listening to Billy Joel, while his mother cooks him a steak and his second pan of Boxty.
Due to Covid, a graveside ceremony and a celebration of life will be private.
In lieu of flowers or memorial trees, please make a difference in someone’s life and make a donation in Artie’s name to behavioral health and substance use disorder programs within the Grayken Center for Treatment at South Shore Health.
Online: SouthShoreHealth.org/Evergreen
By Mail: Make checks payable to: South Shore Health Foundation, 55 Fogg Rd., South Weymouth, MA. 02190.
(Please specify behavioral health/substance abuse when making your donation online or by mail.)
My candle burns at both ends;
it will not last night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends-
It gives a lovely light!
Edna St. Vincent Malay
Obituary lovingly provided by the family of Arthur Romano.