Michael G. Romano, 68, & Susan (Cronk) Romano, 67

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Michael G. Romano, 68, of Great Barrington, Mass., a former Terryville resident, passed away along with his wife, Susan (Cronk) Romano, in a fire at their home in Great Barrington, Mass., on December 9, 2019.

Michael was born April 14, 1951, the son of Mildred Romano of Terryville and the late Alfred M. Romano Sr. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a chef and life skills instructor at Kolburne School in Massachusetts.

Mike, known to many as "Hulky," lived a zealous life enjoying fishing, cooking, the outdoors and vegetable gardening, especially his hot peppers. A close friend best put it that Mike was a "gentle warrior." Mike was an avid writer and storyteller that always had a good joke ready to tell to keep you laughing.

In addition to his mother, Mike is survived by two brothers, Alfred Romano and his wife Raelene and Brian Romano and his wife April; his sister, Linda Krampitz; and several nieces, nephews and great nephews.

Susan (Susy) was born on April 30, 1952, the daughter of her late parents, Elizabeth McDonnell Cronk and Samuel Cronk Jr. of Ashley Falls, Mass. Prior to her retirement, she was employed as a cook and life skills instructor at Kolburne School in Massachusetts as well as being a hair dresser for many years.

Susy also shared the love of the outdoors with Mike and enjoyed her daily workout exercise program at the gym.  She was a notable cook of her own right and her cuisine was well liked by her friends and family.  

Susy is survived by two sisters, Eleanor Hankey and her husband Jesse and Theresa Cronk-Decker and her husband John; and several nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Richard G. Cronk, of Ashley Falls, Mass.  

Both Mike and Susy were compassionate and warm people always volunteering and giving back to their community wherever and whenever they could. Family and friends were the center of their being.

Funeral notice: A party celebrating the lives of Mike and Susy will be held at Crissey Farm, 426 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, Mass., on January 31, 2020, with a short service at 3 p.m. followed by a reception.

Donations in memory of Mike and Susy may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230..