Wayne Austin Romano, age 70, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died at Medilodge of Sault Ste. Marie on February 19, 2024. He was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, on August 6, 1953, to Floyd A. and Wilma J. (Romano) Hoath.
Wayne started his childhood in Massachusetts and then his family moved to Sault Ste. Marie. As a young child, he contracted Polio and was told he may never walk. After spending many years and several surgeries at Shriners Hospital, Wayne beat those expectations and flourished. He attended Catholic School and went on to graduate from Sault High School. After graduation, he began his family, and later enlisted with the United States Army. After a medical honorable discharge, he returned to Sault Ste. Marie and later moved to Kinneville, Michigan, where he worked on a farm. While living in Kinneville, he met the love of his life, Darlene Gillett, on one date at the local fair. However, their paths would not cross again for another forty years. After reconnecting and Darlene moving to Sault Ste. Marie, they married on July 4, 2017. Over the years, Wayne had worked as a commercial carpet cleaner, taxicab driver in Sault Ste. Marie for Floyd’s Cab Company, and as a Semi Truck driver traveling across the country.
Wayne was a member of the American Legions Post #3 and the Salvation Army Church.
Wayne enjoyed traveling and visiting new places. He was always up for a drive and spontaneous trips to anywhere. He liked his mornings at the American Legion to visit with his good buddies and enjoy coffee. He also loved his occasional weekends with his granddaughters Eryka and Destiny, and his visits with his daughters. He adored his service dogs, Benji, Wallie, and Rocky. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Darlene Romano; children, Heather Bumstead, Tiffany Bumstead and Stephanie Bumstead; daughter-in-law, Raeliegh Wychopen; grandchildren, Eryka, Destiny and Kayla; half-sister, Dianne Hultz; brother-in-law, Bill Wychopen; nephews, Brandon (Dorothy), Billy (Erin); great nephews and niece, Branden, Mason, Matis, and Melina; as well as his best friends, Butch (Denise) Goldade, John (Kathy) Leigh, Holly Dawson Henderson, and Stacy Synett.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; son, Wayne Wychopen; sister, Dianne Wychopen, and nephew, Nikko.
Per Wayne’s wishes, no services will be held at this time.
Memorials contributions in his honor may be left to a local Veteran Foundation of your choice.
Family Life Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
