SSG John "Romeo" Roman Jr. (Retired)

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

SSG John "Romeo" Roman Jr. (Retired)

A husband, father, son, brother, friend, and soldier.

John "Romeo" Roman Jr. fought a long battle with AML Leukemia due to service-related duty stations with the Marines and Army. He passed away peacefully at the age of 57 on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Orlando, FL, surrounded by the love of his family.John was born on September 17, 1968.Born and raised in Joliet, he graduated from Joliet Central High School with the Class of 1987. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1987 after graduation and attended boot camp at Camp Cook, LA, BNCOC 7-03. He later interservice transferred to the Army in 1989.

John traveled the world during his military career. One of his favorite duty stations was Germany, a country that remained close to his heart in many ways. John retired from the Army at Fort Hood, Texas, after 25 years of service in 2011 to begin a life of leisure that he had rightly earned.

John had a way about him that put people at ease. Always ready to listen or tell a story. He had a smile that always put you at ease, and eyes that had a mischievous sparkle. He loved Frisbee golf, Miller Lite and good music and he wasn't afraid of a fight, but would rather talk it out.

He had a colorful and exciting life, full of culture, travel, and love. Nicknamed "Romeo" in the military, John had a lifestyle only a few could understand and love him for.

To the world, He leaves His legacy.

John was a beloved husband and loving, active father who was deeply present in the lives of his children. He took pride in caring for his family, offering strength, guidance, laughter, and unwavering love in both the biggest moments and the quiet, everyday ones. He shared with his wife a profound bond of trust, devotion, love, and belonging that shaped the life they were building together. He leaves behind a love that was deeply felt, quietly understood, and impossible to replace.

John is survived by his loving wife, Cayla Liles Roman; daughters, Britne' (George) Roman Edwards, of Chicago, IL; son, Robert Roman (Philipp Morawetz), of Schweinfurt, Germany; and granddaughters, Eliana and Raelyn Edwards of Chicago, IL, Tegen (Grandfluff Jerrie) Roman of Naperville, IL, Alexis (Grandfluff Cleo), Liles Hartman of Orlando, FL.

John is also survived by His mother, Cecelia Hartman; sister, Cecelia Roman Bates (Rich); and brother, Doc (Greta) Roman, all of Joliet, IL; and his brothers, Mike Roman and Joseph Roman, of Indiana.Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends also survive.

He is preceded in death by his father, Paul Hartman.

John would like it to be known to all his surviving battle buddies that he will always have your back, even when you do not know he is there. Never give up.

Lastly, to the nurses and techs of AdventHealth Orlando, who became his second family over the last 19 months, Thank You. To each and every nurse and tech in the Women's Tower, floors 10 and 11, He would want to be remembered as your "patient patient," and to know that “he will see you when he sees you”.

A Celebration of Life for John Roman, Jr. will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 3:00 p.m. with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Army. As it was his request, cremation rites have been accorded.The family would like to ask that everyone in attendance to please wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt!

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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