John F. Romano, 52, (May 14, 1963 – August 19, 2015) of Rocky Hill peacefully passed away with his loving wife by his side after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. “Johnny Love” never gave up, despite the ups and downs of his disease because he so loved and enjoyed life thanks to his wonderful wife, Jennifer, his loving family and his many, many friends. John leaves behind his beloved Jennifer, his mother-in-law, Maureen Witherell, his father-in-law, Richard Witherell, sister-in-law, Colleen Hetrick of East Hampton, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tim and Jane Witherell of Middletown, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dan and Joan Witherell of Newington. John is also survived by his brother, Attorney Michael F. Romano of Rocky Hill and his wife, Joanne; his brother Marc Romano of Ft. Lauderdale and his husband, Gael Uhlig. John will be missed by his many nieces and nephews, his God daughter, Nikki Fappiano and her husband Alfredo; Jessica and Chris Garvin and their son, Kyle; Ben Hetrick and his wife, Susan and their children Lexie and Brooklyn; Molly Hetrick; Grace Hetrick and Melissa & Brian Witherell. John will also be missed by his furry buddy, “Jack”. Earlier on the day he passed, John smiled at a “love you Uncle John” video sent him by his grand niece, Gia Fappiano and her little brother, Nico. John also leaves behind his cousins, Lewis Jump, Cindy Dinkle, Richard Jump and their children; Raymond & Carol Surapine and their loving family. John was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Marilyn (Coughlin) Romano; his nephew, Jay Romano, his brother-in-law, Chris Hetrick, and niece, Nicole Witherell. John grew up in the South End of Hartford and attended St. Augustine Grammar School where he built lifelong friendships. He graduated from Shawnee Mission South High School in Overland Park (Kansas City) Kansas after his parents relocated there. He enjoyed the recent visit from his Kansas buddies. He played Little League and basketball as a kid, softball as a young adult and golf in his later years. He loved all sports but cherished the time he spent with his friends before, during and after most of all. He was a Yankees’ fan and a Giants’ fan and was one of those special people who remembered who played for whom, which school they attended and how they fared in their careers. John was President of Epic international, Inc. of Rocky Hill, a company his dad started in 1983, which brought education to the homes of thousands of readers - young and old alike. John found a second home when he joined the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. There he found great friendships, staunch support, those with common interests and a place to make a difference helping others. “Brother Love” was an Elk through and through – and proud of it. At the time of his passing, he was secretary of the Wethersfield-Rocky Hill Lodge (#2308), a Past Exalted Ruler and a Past District Deputy. He received his jewels in Reno, NV from the Grand Exalted Ruler in 2013. He was active in the Hoop Shoot every year and the other activities of the Elks in service of others. John had a big smile and everyone who knew him fell in love with his easy going personality. When you met him, you were an instant friend and when you were John’s friend, you were a friend for life. John and his wonderful wife enjoyed a perfect life together. They shared so many interests (except the Yankees!) and were a perfect match. His family and friends, including this writer, are devastated to lose such a warm and loving husband, brother, uncle and friend. The family would like to thank the second floor staff of the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center in Hartford Hospital’s Conklin Building. They were kind and compassionate and made John comfortable when he needed comfort. Friends and relatives may pay their respects to John and his family Sunday, August 23rd from 3-7pm at the Farley Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial, celebrating John’s life will be held Monday, August 24th at noon, in the Church of St. Elizabeth Seton, 280 Brook Street, Rocky Hill. Interment will follow the Mass in Cedar Hill Cemetery (Section 12), 453 Fairfield Ave., Hartford. To extend online condolences, share a memory and/or light a memorial candle, please visit farleysullivan.com.