John Stanley Romasko died 7/30/2018 after a long battle with cancer. The strength and grace with which he conducted the battle is representative of how he conducted his life. John was born of 12/11/1934 in Elmo, MT to Walter J. and Lillian Romasko. He was the youngest of seven children.
At an early age John’s family moved to Helena where he attended St. Mary’s and St. Helena grade schools, graduating from Cathedral High in 1952. While at Cathedral High John was involved in sports and was elected to Boy’s State. He attended college at Carroll College, graduating with a degree in Accounting in 1956. He played center for the Fighting Saints football team and was inducted into the Carroll College Hall of Fame.
After college he volunteered for the Army and spent two years stationed in Germany where he played football for the tenth division. He enjoyed his time in the service making several lifelong friends and touring most of Western Europe.
John returned to Helena and began a lifelong career with Maronick Construction and Helena Sand and Gravel. He was a devoted company man, beginning his career as bookkeeper/equipment servicer and later as the long serving business manager. John represented the contractors of Montana on several pension and benefits trusts including a long tenure as chairman Labors’ Trust. The local Laborer’s training facility was named after him.
John married Joanne Welch on 4/4/1959. Over the next five years they welcomed the birth of five children: Michael, Theresa, Jennifer, Daniel and John. John was a longtime member of Sts. Cyril and Methodius parish where he directed the choir, kept the books, taught religious education and repaired the old rectory and church. He was a proud member of the East Helena Knights of Columbus.
Though a quiet man, John raised his voice in song. He directed the East Helena Minstrel show and sang and directed a Barber Shop Chorus. He represented East Helena on the Board of Trustees for the high school district for eleven years.
After retirement he enjoyed maintaining his property, helping his children with their projects, traveling and spending winters near Mesquite, NV.
He was predeceased by his parents, sister Janet, brothers Harry, David and Walter. John is survived by Joanne, his wife of 59 years, sisters Anne Garrissi and Marion Johnson, daughters Theresa Romasko and Jennifer(Jay) Boughn. Sons Michael (Silvia), Dan (Yvette), John (Joanne), thirteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
The Rosary will be prayed at 11:40 a.m. with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at noon on Monday, August 6th at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W Riggs St., East Helena. A reception will follow Mass in the lower level of the church. Interment will take place with military honors will follow the Reception at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. In leu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of John.
Service Schedule
Rosary
11:40 a.m.
Monday August 6, 2018
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Monday August 6, 2018
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Mass
Monday August 6, 2018
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Reception
Monday August 6, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Rosary
11:40 a.m.
Monday August 6, 2018
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Monday August 6, 2018
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Mass
Monday August 6, 2018
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Reception
Monday August 6, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Kee says
To the family,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your loved one. May the words at Revelation 21:4 and John 5:28:29 bring you comfort in knowing that soon God promises he will do away with all sickness and death and reunite you together again. Until that time may you cherish the memories you shared together as they too can be a source of comfort.
Judy and Leonard Ober says
So sorry to read about the loss of John Our thoughts and prayers are with you Joanne and family
Mary Kay Bennett says
May the blessings of the Lord be upon you all.
Joanne, I didn’t know John, but Ed Jasmin always talked about him in such a profoundly respectable way.
He will not be forgotten by anyone who knew him.
In the silence of my heart ? I will pray for peace.
Mary Kay Bennett
Patricia Wade says
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Joanne you and your family are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Felicity & Mike McFerrin says
Joanne, so sorry for your loss. He was such a help to me when he was my trustee. His passing is a loss to the whole community.
Doug Stipcich says
Joanne and family:
Please accept my deepest sympathy as I recently learned of John’s passing. He was a kind and generous man who will be remembered as such by everyone his life touched. Please try to find comfort in knowing that he is watching over each and every one of you. Unfortunately due to work issues, I am not going to be able to make it down to attend the services, but please know that each of you are in my thoughts during this very difficult time.
John, may you rest in peace.
Leslie Darfler says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. John was a wonderful man, husband, and father. I remember fondly his soft-spoken manner and wit. May your memories of your husband and dad give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. God bless all of you and rest in peace John. You will be missed by many.
Ruth Jones says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family .John was such a friendly person it was a joy to almost be related to you both. I am sharing your loss as I try to live with the loss of my oldest son David.God Bless Ruth Jones My sister was Karen & I still miss her.
Debbie Strever says
Uncle John gave so much of himself to community and family. As we’ve read in his obit., he not only volunteered in organizations, communities, military and education, he was committed to serving with all his mind and heart. But what isn’t in the obit is how much fun he was to be with. His voice had a low, slow cadence but he could sneak in a quip like lightening! Nothing mean nor spiteful but intelligent and hilarious! At family gatherings at the ranch, Uncle John (and my dad) were the ones playing with the kids-we couldn’t wait for a game of horseshoes, or that throw-the-ball-over-the-cabin game with him. Uncle John’s love, support, care and quiet presence will be missed. But his smile, hearty laugh and gentle soul will be with us forever.
Morgen Magnuson says
Joanne and family,
I am so sorry to hear about John. Please accept my condolences.
Jim Stipcich says
Joanne, Michael, Theresa, Daniel, Jen and John.
My deepest condolences on the passing of John. He was a great man that will be truly missed. His quiet style was a great attribute that inspired me in so many ways. Your Dad showed me that another live existed outside the edges of East Helena and for that I am so grateful. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Kent/Rebekka Dodge says
We are very sad to hear of John’s passing. John and Joanne were such a beautiful couple and a wonderful example of the love of Christ. John will be remembered tenderly in our thoughts. Love and blessings to you, Joanne and family.
Kim Pelo says
To the Romasko family,
I was so sad to hear of your loss of such a wonderful man!! He was such a nice man and was always so nice to me! His quiet manner reminded me of my Dad! I know how special he was to your family! Please know your are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Kim Pelo
Rich Thornton says
To the Romasko family,
My sincerest condolences on your loss; I worked with John for many years as I was the outside CPA working with he and Phil at Maronick Construction. I saw John last at Phil’s funeral—so strange that two men who worked so well and so long together left within 3 months of each other. Please know it was my blessing to work with John—he was very capable and a very good, kind, humble and forthright gentleman. May he rest in God’s peace,
Rich Thornton