Harold G. Romick

Harold G. Romick of Shadyside, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, June 14th, 2022, at Martins Ferry Hospital after a brief illness. 

Harold was born April 27th, 1931, in Martins Ferry, son of the late William and Pearl (Crooks) Romick. Harold had a large family and was the fifth child of ten. He met the love of his life, Helen, at church, and they married on February 25th, 1951. Shortly after settling into their home in Martins Ferry, Harold enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Fort Bliss, Texas, and eventually Pittsburgh, serving during the Korean War. After returning from the Army in 1954, Harold enrolled in college at West Liberty State College and graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Harold then taught school first at Saint Clairsville and Bellaire, then a quick stint selling insurance with Prudential but realized shortly thereafter that he was destined for a different vocation. Harold answered his true calling and became a high school English teacher in 1962, eventually settling in Shadyside High School. In addition to teaching, Harold loved being a part of directing the junior and senior class plays each year as well as chaperoning the proms, where he loved taking Helen as his date. He retired from Shadyside High School in 1989 but never stopped thinking about his students. He remembered all the people who sent cards and books to him over the years and those who would come up to him in town and say, "Mr. Romick, you were my English teacher!" 

Harold also donated his time and talents over the years to the Freemasons and was a church trustee and moderator for many years at the First Baptist Church of Martins Ferry. He was a voracious reader, never without a book, and was proud of his vast book collection. Even past his 91st birthday, he always had a stack of books next to his chair, making notes, commenting on what he was reading, and telling stories from them. Harold also loved animals and shared stories of rescuing his kitten from the banks of the Ohio River after the flood in 1937. He enjoyed fishing, listening to music and dancing with Helen, and cherished moments with his grandchildren. With Harold's passing goes a wealth of knowledge and curiosity, a love of learning and sharing, and wonderful storytelling from a genuinely kindhearted man.

Harold is survived by his two sons, Eric (Sabrina) of Nocatee, Florida, and Fred (Andrea) of Hudson, Ohio; grandchildren Lauren (Chris) Conrad of Sagamore Hills, Ohio, and Max of Phoenix, Arizona, and two great-grandchildren, Will and Wes Conrad. Also surviving Harold are his siblings, Phyllis Ogden, Margaret, and Richard, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. In particular, Harold had a very special nephew and friend in Dave Hartley. Dave spent the past several years visiting Harold daily, helping him around the house, taking him on shopping trips and family visits, being a confidant, and putting the family's mind at ease. The family wishes to extend our most heartfelt thanks and gratitude to David for your friendship with Uncle Harold.

Preceding Harold's death was his beloved wife of 65 years, Helen, and siblings Bill, Shirley, Dolores, Ray, and Bob. 

Service for Harold will be Monday, June 20th, from 10 am till time of service at 12 noon at Wilson Funeral Home – Heslop Chapel in Martins Ferry, 415 Walnut Street, Martins Ferry, Ohio 43935. Per Harold's request, no graveside services will be held. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Harold's name to First Baptist Church of Martins Ferry, 306 Locust Street, Martins Ferry, Ohio 43935, or Alzheimer's Association, Central Ohio Chapter, 1379 Dublin Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43215 or alz.org.

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