Obituary of Ann Marie Romano

In Loving Memory of Ann “Annie” Marie Romano (Mazzocchi)

Ann Marie Romano, of Arcata CA died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, Tuesday February 4th, 2025, at the age of 95 1/2yrs Ann was born Aug 8, 1929, in Madison N.J. to Nicolo and Felicia Mazzocchi. The seventh child of eight, Ann always had fond memories of her childhood. She would tell stories about growing all their own food, making their own wine, homemade pasta of multiple varieties and how all the kids would climb in the back of the dump truck to go to religious classes. Being this was during the depression Ann would say “We had so little but always thought we had so much”. The strong family values Ann grew up with would stay with her throughout her life.

Ann met the love of her life, Frank Romano, in Long Branch N.J. while dancing to her favorite song “Peg o' my heart”. They were married in 1949 and proceeded to have a family of their own consisting of five beautiful children. There was always a deep connection to her Italian heritage, her Catholic faith and an unwavering strong dedication to family.

Ann was the proud owner and visionary behind Orphan Annie’s Tavern, a vibrant gathering spot where her passion for hospitality created a warm and inviting space for people to gather, leaving a lasting imprint on the community she served with dedication and warmth. Her zest for life was contagious and there were so many things she loved: Frank Sinatra, New York Yankees, bowling league, gardening, being by the pool sipping a martini, water aerobics, traveling, casino trips, Jeopardy, Jig saw puzzles, solitaire card game before bed and of course she loved being with family and friends most of all.

Ann was predeceased by her husband Frank Romano, daughters Eleanor Stewart and Roxann Soper, four sisters Raffaela Natella, Violanda Casternovia, Josephine Ponzio, Mary Holmes and three brothers Nicholas, Anthony, and Samuel Mazzocchi. She is survived by her three sons Pasquale Romano and his partner Gail Narum, Frank Romano and his wife Kristin, and Nicholas “Rick” Romano and his partner Lori Wehmeyer, son-in-law Scott Soper, four grandchildren Angela Stewart, Dominic Romano, Anthony Romano and his wife Katie and Nicholas Romano, great grandchildren Adeline and Mirabelle Chu, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to attend Memorial Mass being held on

June 28th, 2025, at 10:00 AM

Saint Rose of Lima

50 Short Hills Ave

Short Hills, New Jersey 07078