Lieutenant Colonel Carlo Romano, USMC (Ret.) passed away on May 26, 2025 at the age of 99. Brought into this world on July 16, 1925 in Orange, Texas, he was the sixth of seven children born to John and Maria Romano.
As a Marine who dutifully served his country in three wars, from the sands of Iwo Jima to the jungles of Vietnam, it was appropriate that he passed away on our nation’s Memorial Day.
Carlo was raised in Orange, Texas, where he attended Saint Mary’s Grade School and Orange High School before enlisting in the Marine Corps during his sophomore year.
He served as a rifleman with the 5th Marine Division in the Pacific campaigns against Imperial Japan during WWII. This included his first assignment of capturing the island of Iwo Jima, where he distinguished himself in combat and was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor.
He was released from active duty in 1946 and returned to Orange to complete high school and subsequently attend Stephen F. Austin University, where he earned a degree in history. Carlo heeded his country’s call once again and returned to active duty service as a Marine Corps Infantry Officer attached to the 1st Marine Division during the Korean War.
Carlo’s decision to remain on active duty proved quite serendipitous, as he met his future bride, Lieutenant Mervyn (Mike) Ege, at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. She stole his heart and became the love of his life. They were married in 1960 at the old Mission Church in San Juan Capistrano by Monsignor Vincent Lord Russell.
Two tours in Vietnam closed out Carlo’s decorated combat service. He retired from active duty in 1978 with his last duty assignment at Camp Pendleton. He and his family settled in Fallbrook, California, where Carlo grew avocados and citrus fruits for over 30 years while Mike returned to nursing as a civilian at Fallbrook Hospital.
Carlo was an avid outdoorsman and huntsman, spending time on trails, hunting expeditions, and fishing trips with family and friends. He fostered deep and lasting friendships while always keeping an open door policy for extended family to come visit the “Romano Villa” on Melaleuca Lane.
His deep Roman Catholic faith provided him with strength in times of adversity and a sense of gratefulness in times of abundance. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, without question or conditions.
A true patriot with a deep love for our country, he was a paragon of the greatest generation. As a mentor to many, Carlo helped shape a new generation of greatness.
Carlo is survived by his four children: Paul Romano of Citrus Heights, Calif.; Mary Holzman of Kauai, Hawaii; Christopher Romano of Bridge City, Texas; and Sarah Warner (Romano) of Prosper, Texas. Additionally, Carlo was blessed with seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, with the sixth due in September.
A requiem Mass will be celebrated at Marine Memorial Chapel, Camp Pendleton, Thursday June 12. Burial with military honors will follow at the Masonic Cemetery, Fallbrook.
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