Gaetano (Tom) Roma

Tom passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Wellspring Lutheran Services in Saginaw, Michigan at the age of 97. He was born to the late Louis and Caroline (Farina) Roma on August 20, 1927 in New York. He lost his parents at a young age and was raised in New York by his foster parents, Ralph and Sara Spinosa and Grandma Cardello. He was a member of Hales Corners Lutheran Church in Wisconsin. He served his country in the U.S. Army Air Force overseas in Japan right after World War II for a year and a half. Tom was employed at AC Sparkplug/GM in the production quality control department and later at The Stearns Corporation from which he retired.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 78 wonderful years, Lea (Laukenmann) Roma; children, Gaelea (Robert) Niedbala, Leeta Theiss and Rev. Ron (Cindy) Roma; grandchildren, Greg Niedbala, Stephanie Perry, Tami (Dan) Youmans, Andra (Jeremy) Warren, Christa Theiss, Rev. Tom (Shayla) Roma, Rev. Steve Roma and Jared Roma; great grandchildren, Aurelia Strunk, Adia Strunk, Daniel (Alex) Youmans, Katelyn Youmans, Nathan Warren, Chloe (Riley) Ringley, Isabel Warren, Henry Roma and Sam Roma; one great-great granddaughter, Penelope Youmans; foster siblings, Vincent Spinosa, Marie Petrucci, and Jospeh Spinosa, Terry Mitchell and several other dear foster family members. In addition to his parents and foster parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved son, Bryan Roma; son-in-law, Rev. Paul Theiss; brother, Peter Roma and sister, Annette Gallo.

A Memorial Service for Tom will be taking place on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Frankenlust with Pastor Dennis Matyas officiating. The family will be present to receive visitors on Monday at the Church from 10:00 am until the time of the service. A private entombment will be held at a later date in the Columbarium in The Memorial Garden at Hales Corners Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Concordia Seminary - St. Louis, Missouri in honor of Tom.