Joseph Anthony Roman

JOSEPH ANTHONY ROMAN, 73 OF WEST ALLIS WISCONSIN

Joseph Anthony Roman passed away at home on May 12, 2025 at the age of 73 from ALS. He is survived by his beloved spouse Sara, his 3 children, Anthony (Kate Ferdinandi), Rana (Jesus Quinones), David (Zack Spencer) and many nieces and nephew and grand nieces and nephews. Also survived by Arlen Lopez Gutierrez who called him "Daddy" and her boys Zabdiel and Eliel who considered him their grandpa. But affectionately gave him the title of "Papa Joe ". He was preceded in death by his parents, Cesario Roman Vera and Antonia Roman Rubio, his siblings, Nilda, Wenceslaus (Wency) and Victoria (Vicky).

Joe was born on May 26, 1951 in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. His family of 8 emigrated to the US in 1954. He graduated from South Division High School in June of 1969 where he participated in football, wrestling and cross country. After graduating he entered an electrical apprenticeship through a program called Big Step. He went on to get his Master Electrician license. His career began with Lemberg and Staff Electric. In 1979 he began with Milwaukee County Highway Department, repairing highway lighting in the county. He then transferred to the County Parks System where he was the electrical supervisor for over 150 parks and parkways, for a total of 15,325 acres. He loved being outdoors rather than in an office. After 25 years of service Joe retired from the county but continued working alongside his friend Ken doing remodeling projects and plumbing with Schram Plumbing. He worked on the Mitchell and Zoo Interchanges with DAAR Engineering and as an inspector for the Foxxconn project with CORRE, Inc.

Joe and Sara were high school sweethearts and married on May 30, 1970. Together they traveled to Nicaragua, Guatemala, Belize and Colombia on mission trips through Elmbrook Church and Healing the Children of Wisconsin. They also hosted 14 children from these countries who required medical treatment and surgeries they couldn’t receive in their countries. Once they recovered, the children would return to their families. Now adults, some have kept in touch over the years.

Joe enjoyed road trips and the cruises he and Sara took together. He followed the Packers and the Brewers.

In memoriam of Joe, please donate to The ALS Association 1300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600 Arlington, VA 22209 This is a cruel disease. Research must be funded to find a cure.

Healing The Children, WI c/o Peggy Wydeven, Director, 1732 Van Zeeland Ct., Little Chute, WI 54140 Healing One Child at a time.

Katy’s Kloset, 404 Wilmont Dr., D, Waukesha WI 53189. A total volunteer organizing providing medical equipment at no cost.

All the above are non-profit organizations.