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.
John , we were besties from the first day we spoke you welcomed me as family Michael always said I would take the phone from him or he would just give it to me so me and you can just laugh and talk ! You were definitely the best person to laugh with and to talk to! I will miss you tons look after us all down here your brothers , wife, all the kids and specially your momma ! Thank you for making me feel like family instantly when I do marry your brother you and my mother will be honored in every way we can I promise you that ! Most of all will have your music playing you are forever in my heart
To my brother “Harry John”. As I sit back wiping back my tears, I can’t explain what it’s like to lose you. There isn’t enough words on this site to go over all the memories. One that I will always laugh about is how you would “time me” on how fast I could run to the kitchen to light your Marlboro on the stove and get it back to you. Maybe borderline abuse but that was the late 80’s and early 90’s which is what made us tough right? Lol. But I lost good friends, our grandfather, aunts, uncles, cousins, even my dad. Nothing will ever compare to the pain I felt seeing mom weep next to you. I’ll always keep you close and make sure your memory stays alive. I love you John “Who’s got em!?” Thank you for being my big brother.
I met John over thirty years ago ,he was dating a friend of mine, He was so funny to know him was to love him,I made a forever friend who made the world brighter he will be loved and missed .
In 2011, John and I met through a relative and since that time we stayed connected and spoke on many different subjects. Holly, he loved you so much and always praised you in our conversations. I’m so sad that he is off this earth but I know his spirit lives on.
Chris, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I’ll always remember your brother as a genuinely kind person who was always good to me and treated me like a friend. Please know that I’m thinking of you, your mom, and all of John’s family during this difficult time. Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to all of you.
My Love and prayers to all of you! Rest easy John❤🙏❤ 💔😪
My cool, older next door neighbor. Would catch me on my step taking on the phone late at night and tell me to go in lol..... RIP ❤️
My heart breaks to hear of Johnny's passing. Having known him since he was 8, I have so many fond memories of watching him grow into such an incredible compassionate and young man! John and my son's and all the boys played soccer, baseball or what ever sport was in season! They were known as the "Amber playground" "boys and girls" they had such a incredible "Brotherhood!" Sisterhood" that no one till this day can ever break that bond! They fought hard to keep the neighborhood safe from being invaded"! From drugs etc. And protecting the girls in the neighborhood of "Amber Playground"! When they all got older the neighborhood was changing! And we starting moving elsewhere! They either chose to go college or seek other professions but one thing, there is still that deep connection no one could break! And John was one of those boys that loved his family, kept in with his friends and still had each other's back! Our love and prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time! Rest in peace! Our Son John! You will be deeply missed by all!❤️🙏🏻
Harry John always looked out for me but I'll say this I hate it when he would pinch my earlobes" Love you cuz.... Alwayz
Cuz, you sure were 1 of a kind. I will cherish OUR memories for the rest of my life. I love you with all my heart Melvin, today and Forever
He was always a sweet kid. I have all fond thoughts and memories of him. So very sad. R.I.P.
John was definitely 1 of a kind! He was actually the funniest child out of the group of us during our summer mountain stays. I love u John, RIP cuz🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🪽 my deepest sympathy to all of his immediate family…
I can still hear him saying to me a couple weeks ago ..Yo El when he called me. John you will be missed cuz. love you. To Holly, Sherry, Chris, Michael and all the family my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I was really saddened to hear about John. Although we had lost touch over the years, we recently reconnected and I am glad we did. He would send me the most outrageous text messages and leave literal “laugh out loud” voicemails. I will never forget Harry John. We bonded many years ago. While born in Juniata, I was raised in the Poconos. John would come to my home and get some fresh air in the mountains and I would spend plenty of time with his family in the city. My memories of our time together make me smile. He was the epitome of a true Philadelphian and passed on the same day as legendary Sonny Jurgensen. JJ
Babe now.
John was definitely 1 of a kind!
He was actually the funniest child out of the group of us during our summer mountain stays. I love u John, RIP cuz🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🪽 my deepest sympathy to all of his immediate family…
He was always a sweet kid. I have all fond thoughts and memories of him. So very sad. R.I.P.
Cuz, you sure were 1 of a kind. I will cherish OUR memories for the rest of my life. I love you with all my heart Melvin, today and Forever
Harry John always looked out for me but I’ll say this I hate it when he would pinch my earlobes”
Love you cuz…. Alwayz
My heart breaks to hear of Johnny’s passing. Having known him since he was 8, I have so many fond memories of watching him grow into such an incredible compassionate and young man! John and my son’s and all the boys played soccer, baseball or what ever sport was in season! They were known as the “Amber playground” “boys and girls” they had such a incredible “Brotherhood!” Sisterhood” that no one till this day can ever break that bond! They fought hard to keep the neighborhood safe from being invaded”! From drugs etc. And protecting the girls in the neighborhood of “Amber Playground”! When they all got older the neighborhood was changing! And we starting moving elsewhere! They either chose to go college or seek other professions but one thing, there is still that deep connection no one could break! And John was one of those boys that loved his family, kept in with his friends and still had each other’s back! Our love and prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time! Rest in peace! Our Son John! You will be deeply missed by all!❤️🙏🏻
My cool, older next door neighbor. Would catch me on my step taking on the phone late at night and tell me to go in lol….. RIP ❤️
My Love and prayers to all of you! Rest easy John❤🙏❤
💔😪
Chris, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I’ll always remember your brother as a genuinely kind person who was always good to me and treated me like a friend. Please know that I’m thinking of you, your mom, and all of John’s family during this difficult time. Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to all of you.
In 2011, John and I met through a relative and since that time we stayed connected and spoke on many different subjects. Holly, he loved you so much and always praised you in our conversations. I’m so sad that he is off this earth but I know his spirit lives on.
I met John over thirty years ago ,he was dating a friend of mine, He was so funny to know him was to love him,I made a forever friend who made the world brighter he will be loved and missed .
To my brother “Harry John”. As I sit back wiping back my tears, I can’t explain what it’s like to lose you. There isn’t enough words on this site to go over all the memories. One that I will always laugh about is how you would “time me” on how fast I could run to the kitchen to light your Marlboro on the stove and get it back to you. Maybe borderline abuse but that was the late 80’s and early 90’s which is what made us tough right? Lol. But I lost good friends, our grandfather, aunts, uncles, cousins, even my dad. Nothing will ever compare to the pain I felt seeing mom weep next to you. I’ll always keep you close and make sure your memory stays alive. I love you John “Who’s got em!?” Thank you for being my big brother.
John , we were besties from the first day we spoke you welcomed me as family Michael always said I would take the phone from him or he would just give it to me so me and you can just laugh and talk ! You were definitely the best person to laugh with and to talk to! I will miss you tons look after us all down here your brothers , wife, all the kids and specially your momma ! Thank you for making me feel like family instantly when I do marry your brother you and my mother will be honored in every way we can I promise you that ! Most of all will have your music playing you are forever in my heart