Harry John Romano, Jr.

Harry John Romano Jr.

December 2, 1972- February 6, 2026

Harry John Romano Jr. 53 of West Deptford, NJ, died suddenly at Inspira Medical Center on February 6, 2026. 

John as his family and friends called him, was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1972 to Sharon Belz (nee Geist) and Harry Romano Sr. Full of energy from an early age John excelled in many areas including sports, especially soccer and was an amazing dancer. His natural curiosity and mischievous personality led to some legendary childhood stories that many recall to this day. He spent his early years as the life of the party, making forever friends along the way and was always known for his humor,generosity and loyalty. 

John met the love of his life, Holly, in 2012 at O’Neals bar in Philadelphia. John used his charm, charisma and good looks to win her over instantly. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married in July of 2013. 

John also was a proud father, who always spoke with pride and admiration for the absolutely amazing humans each of his children were. He loved them deeply. 

Everyone who knew John knew how much he loved sports and sport memorabilia. An avid and skilled memorabilia collector John had an expert eye for finding amazing treasures and could tell you almost any statistic. That was just one of his many gifts, he was also an amazing dancer and appeared on Dance Party USA in Philadelphia during his teenage years. His knowledge and love of music across a wide spectrum of genres was also a favorite pastime for John. He would be the first one on the dance floor or belting out the hits at karaoke on weekends. 

John and his friends were practically inseparable throughout their lives. From sports to crazy adventures as they grew older, they were together through it all. John loved his friends like family and the feeling was mutual. If you were John’s friend you never walked alone, he always had your back.

John will always be remembered for his love of family, generosity to strangers and the way that he could go into any social situation and walk away with a handful of new close friends. He held an inner strength that those closest to him saw and even though he as all humans do, made mistakes, and had regrets he loved with his whole heart and always saw the good in people, knowing that everyone has struggles and judgement helps no one. We’ll always remember the hilarious stories he would tell, often having everyone in the room in tears. We couldn’t have asked for a more authentic and genuine person and will miss John every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. 

John was preceded in death by his beloved “Pop” Harry Geist Sr., his grandmother Grace Geist, his uncle Harry “Butch” Geist, and is survived by his beloved wife Holly Romano (nee Locantora), mother Sharon Belz (Andy), sons Joseph Romano, Joseph Casino, daughter Sara Romano, his brothers Christopher Romano (Charissa), Michael Beltz, Charles Romano, Ronnie Beltz, sister Nikki Fisher (Zach), father in law Frank Locantora (Brenda), brother In Law Frank Locantora Jr. (Meghan) as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend John’s viewing and service on Friday, February 13, 2026 at McCafferty Funeral & Cremation Inc. 6709-11 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. You may visit and comfort John’s family from 9:30 am – 11:00 am. There will be a prayer service starting at 11:00 am. Further arrangements will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, donations to Angels in Motion in John’s name would be greatly appreciated.