Felix “Phil” & Eleanor (Norwich) Roman

    On February 4, 2022, Felix Eugene “Phil” Roman, joined the love of his life, Eleanor Beatrice (Norwich) Roman in Heaven. Eleanor passed away two days earlier on February 2, 2022. Both were able to remain in the family home at their request, attended to by family.

    Felix was born in Frackville on August 13, 1931, to Vincent W. and Mary (Pruszkiewicz) Roman, in the home in which he lived throughout his life.  After serving honorably in the United States Army, he worked for a variety of industry, retiring from Itt Goulds Pumps in Ashland, Pennsylvania.

    Known in the area as “Phil”, he made a side business of hanging wallpaper and home repair. He created a workshop in his garage and cellar, where he could focus on repurposing or repairing household items. He could often repair items others might throw away. His Grandchildren referred to him as Jadzie (a derivative of the Polish word for “Grandfather”). His beloved nieces and nephews, as well as many non-relatives, called him “Uncle Phil”.  He along with his brothers and brothers-in-law had a designated corner at Roman’s Lounge & Catering in Frackville where they routinely met.

    Eleanor was born April 10, 1933, in Mt Carmel, Pennsylvania to John and Beatrice Lorant Norwich. Eleanor was a homemaker and worked in both factories and the hospitality/hotel industry. Eleanor was often found in the company of children, providing childcare for her sister’s children, who referred to her as “NorNor”. She was called “Nannie” by her Grandchildren, and “Aunt Eleanor” by her countless nieces and nephews. Eleanor was known for having a positive outlook and being willing to help those around her.  She seemed to have boundless energy and kept busy cleaning her own home or the homes of extended family. If she loved you, she prefaced her greeting by saying “Oh! There is our (followed by your name)!”  She greeted everyone with the same lovely lilting tone of voice and honest enthusiasm, often with a serving of her homemade Shoo Fly Pie. Eleanor’s passing on a Wednesday was appropriate, as she and her sisters would routinely spend Wednesday’s walking for exercise in the former Schuylkill Mall.

    The couple married July 1, 1959 and had one son, Philip. Aside from their professional accomplishments, their biggest impact was on the people who crossed their paths. It can truly be said they were loved and respected, and they returned that in kind.

    Notorious for their lively disagreements, they were fully devoted to and dependent on one another. No couple argued harder or loved one another longer.  In the days before her passing, when he realized the love of his life would be leaving him, he stated, “I wish I could go with her.” Due to a combination of his own health decline, and a broken heart, indeed he did.

    Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers George, Raymond, and Donald Norwich; and brothers-in-law, John Teijaro, John Gaverick, and Jack Dimmick.

    Preceding him in death were Felix’ parents; his brothers, Henry “Hank” Roman, and Joseph Roman; Sister Connie Roman Cameron; and brothers-in-law, Jerome “Jerry” Sankus and Robert “Cam” Cameron. His beloved niece Mary Ann Sankus, and nephews Jerome Sankus and Paul Sankus greeted him in the Eternal.

    Felix and Eleanor are survived by son, Philip E (Angie) Roman; Grandchildren JoyLyne Roman; Ronaele Krystal Roman (Jake) Arsaga; Rebekah (Ryan) Corbin; and Austin Philip Roman. Great Grandchildren Trevor Salinger; Lane, Blake and Dallas Arsaga; Noah Remmy; Gabriella Roman; Luke and Soleia Moralez; Evalynne Rose and Rhett Corbin.

   Eleanor is survived by sisters Dorothy Norwich Teijaro, Jeannette Norwich Semasek, Loretta Norwich Horan, Ruth Norwich Dimmick; and Sister-in-law Sandy Roman.  Felix is survived by sister, Delores Roman Sankus; Sisters-in-law Irene Roman and Donna Roman.

    “Uncle Phil” and “Aunt Eleanor” were surrounded in love by extended Nieces and Nephews, many of whom tenderly attended to each of them in the days and hours surrounding their respective passing. If we listed them all, and managed to omit one or more, Bobby would never allow us to forget it. Please know, they all truly loved, and were loved by, their Aunt Eleanor and Uncle Phil.

    Felix often said, “I was born in this house, and I will die in this house!”  With the support of their family, and the staff first of Geisinger-at-Home, and later Compassus Hospice, he fulfilled that promise. As he proudly stated, he would only leave the family home ‘feet first’. His specific wishes were honored.

    Memorial donations can be made to St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church Memorial Fund, 7 Broad Mt. Ave. Frackville,

    A joint memorial service is being planned with interment at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pennsylvania.