John Frank Romer, a lifelong resident of Cincinnati, passed away unexpectedly on October 18, 2022, while in New York City with his wife, Jinny. His sudden departure has left a void in the hearts of his family and the Cincinnati community he served so passionately. Born on April 4, 1956, John lived a life full of purpose and connection, leaving an enduring legacy of advocacy, kindness, and dedication.
Cincinnati Roots and Early Influences
Born to Charles and Justine Romer in Cincinnati, John was raised in Mt. Lookout, a neighborhood that remained close to his heart throughout his life. As the third of seven children, family was a cornerstone of John’s world. He attended Cardinal Pacelli School, fostering early community bonds before moving on to St. Xavier High School where he excelled as a football player. His pursuit of higher education led him to Xavier University, another prominent Cincinnati institution, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications in 1978 and a Master’s in Education in 1979. These formative years in Cincinnati laid the foundation for his deep-rooted commitment to the city and its people. Many of John’s most cherished friendships were forged during these school years, highlighting the lasting impact of his Cincinnati upbringing.
A Career Championing Developmental Disabilities in Cincinnati and Beyond
John’s career was marked by a profound dedication to improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). His journey began in his youth, volunteering in his mother’s special education classroom and at Camp Stepping Stones, experiences that ignited a lifelong passion. During and after college, John worked at Stettinius House, a pioneering group home in Cincinnati established by the Resident Home for the Mentally Retarded (RHMR), now known as Envision. He formed deep bonds with the residents, considering them friends and extending his warmth by including them in family gatherings. For two decades, John served RHMR in various roles, including Director of Community Relations, further solidifying his commitment to the Cincinnati DD community.
In 2005, John joined Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS), where his innovative spirit led to the creation of the Advocacy Leadership Network. His dedication extended to the state level, regularly taking individuals to Columbus to advocate at the state legislature, contributing to the passage of disability rights legislation. In his later career, John focused on addressing housing inequities for the DD population and supporting older parents planning for the long-term care of their loved ones. His forty years of tireless work were recognized by HCDDS with the establishment of the John Romer Advocacy Award, an honor bestowed upon individuals demonstrating exceptional advocacy impacting the community – a testament to John’s lasting influence in Cincinnati and the field. His career’s essence can be summarized by his unwavering commitment to fostering independence and changing societal perceptions towards individuals with disabilities. John’s impact on his clients and their families throughout his distinguished career in Cincinnati is immeasurable.
Beyond Advocacy: John’s Vibrant Life in Cincinnati
Beyond his professional achievements, John was a man of diverse passions and a vibrant personality. During his college years in Cincinnati, he showcased his charismatic nature as a DJ at WVXU, a local radio station. His love for performance extended to community theatre, where he wrote, directed, and performed in the annual Christ the King variety show, “Hits and Mrs.,” where he met his wife, Jinny. John’s love for music and performance was infectious, known for his enthusiastic singing, especially his signature renditions of “Happy Birthday.”
Sports were another significant part of John’s life. From neighborhood games in Mt. Lookout to supporting Cincinnati teams, his enthusiasm was boundless. He was a devoted Cincinnati Reds and Bengals fan, holding season tickets for the latter in recent years and enjoying countless games with Jinny, his brothers, and friends. Travels with Jinny, whether road trips to visit family or international adventures, were cherished times. However, his Cincinnati roots always remained strong, drawing him back to the city he loved.
A Lasting Legacy of Love and Advocacy in Cincinnati
John Romer’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of Cincinnati. He will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his tireless advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities, his infectious humor, and his profound kindness. His numerous friendships and strong family connections are a testament to his character. He leaves behind his beloved wife Jinny, stepchildren Brian, Chris, and Emily, six grandchildren, six siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews.
To honor John’s memory, donations can be made to Our Daily Bread, www.ourdailybread.us., an organization reflecting his commitment to community support in Cincinnati.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at a visitation on Sunday, November 6th, from 12 Noon – 2 pm at the Geo. H. Rohde & Son Funeral Home in Mt. Lookout Square, Cincinnati, followed by a Celebration of Life from 1 pm – 4 pm at the Redmoor Event Center, adjacent to Rohde. Words of remembrance will be shared at the Redmoor at 2:30 pm. Complimentary valet parking will be provided.
SERVICES
Visitation
Sunday, November 06, 2022
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Reception
Sunday, November 06, 2022
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Words of remembrance will be shared at the Redmoor at 2:30pm.
