Howard Rome 1935-2024
CAMARILLO, Calif. — Howard Rome, 89, died after a brief illness, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, at St. John’s Hospital.
Howard was born April 2, 1935, to Ben and Sarah Rome, in Youngstown. He went to school in Youngstown, graduating from Rayen High School in 1954 and earning a degree from Youngstown University in 1958.
On Dec. 23, 1962, he married the love of his life, Roberta Friedberg, in Cleveland. They remained married for 61 years until Roberta’s death in January 2024. Although a true son of Ohio, after the devastating loss of his wife, Howard relocated to Thousand Oaks, California, to be closer to his family.
In 1992, Howard retired after 30 years of service as a respected and much-loved social worker for the state of Ohio. He specialized in training blind people to run their own small businesses. Howard also worked for five years after retirement at the Eddie Bauer store in the Southern Park Mall, where he thrived working with the younger staff and meeting new people.
Howard was a member of Temple El Emeth in Liberty and a member of the B’nai Brith there.
Some of his interests included coin collecting, bowling and keeping up with Ohio sports teams, as well as news and current events.
He had unconditional love for his sons, their wives and his beloved grandchildren. His sense of humor, observations, sincerity and sweet personality will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Survivors include his sons, Joel Rome (Sandra) of Los Angeles, California, Mark Rome (Jackie) of Thousand Oaks, California; grandchildren, Julia Rome of Los Angeles, Allison Rome of Madison, Wisconsin, and Ethan Rome of Los Angeles.
Besides his wife, Roberta, Howard was preceded in death by his parents; his sister-in-law, Sandi Levenson; and brother-in-law, Mike Levenson.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, at the Itts Memorial Chapel, Anshe Emeth Cemetery in Youngstown, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the service.
Contributions may be made in Howard’s memory to Temple El Emeth, 3970 Logan Way, Youngstown, OH 44505.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Shriver-Allison-Courtley-Weller-King Funeral Home. Friends and family may view this obituary and share memories and condolences at www.shriverallisoncourtleyfuneral home.com.
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