Ralph Dominic Romano

Ralph Dominic Romano, 60, Detective and former Allentown Police Officer, of Upper Macungie Township, passed away on July 22, 2025. He was the husband of Lisa Ann Messino Romano and Devoted Father to Lucia & Nicholas Romano. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Ralph D. Romano, Sr. and the late Anne S. (Fehnel) DiDonato. Ralph was a 1988 graduate of East Stroudsburg University. He went on to fulfill his dream, graduating from the Allentown Police Academy in 1989 where he began his service as a dedicated law enforcement officer, leaving a lasting impact on each and every person he encountered throughout his career. Over the course of more than 16 years with the Allentown Police Department, he served on multiple platoons, including the First, Second, and Fourth. His roles included assignments in the Neighborhood Community Police Unit and the Traffic Division. He ultimately retired with distinction in the Criminal Investigations Division, as Detective in the Special Victims Unit, where he worked closely with children affected by crimes and survivors of sexual abuse. During his time with the department, Ralph received numerous commendations in recognition of his exceptional service and unwavering commitment to public safety. He was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). He was a proud long-standing member of the Emergency Response Team and was recognized with several honors for his outstanding contributions, including the prestigious Challenge Coin from Valliere & Counseling Associates, Inc., awarded to individuals who go above and beyond in the fight to end violence. He was the recipient of the Allied Professional Award from the Crime Victims Council, a testament to his advocacy and tireless support and respect for victims. In 2002, he received a Top Cop Honorable Mention award for his unwavering commitment to duty and resilient character after battling Hodgkin's Disease while still helping others, nominated by Captain Roger J. MacLean. He began training for charitable half marathons immediately after finishing treatment, raising countless dollars for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Foundation. He was honored at a prestigious New York City Ceremony attended by former Presidents, numerous television and movie personalities, and the Port Authority Police Honor Guard. Only 2 years after cancer treatment, Ralph successfully trained and completed the New York Marathon. He was a dedicated advocate for and participant in the annual Tunnel To Towers Marathon. His charitable work continued throughout his life with fundraising for multiple causes including the Lymphoma Foundation and Breast Cancer Awareness. Quietly behind the scenes, he helped countless individual victims of domestic violence and the homeless by bringing food, clothes, and assistance with finding employment. After retiring from the Allentown Police Department, Ralph worked as a Detective with the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. He went on to serve for over 13 years as a devoted member of the Domestic Violence Unit within the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office continuing his unwavering commitment to justice, serving with integrity, compassion, and quiet strength. While there, he taught the Domestic Violence curriculum at the Allentown Police Academy, ensuring that new officers were well informed about the profound effects of domestic violence. While he made a lasting difference in the lives of the victims and families he served, he was the heart of his work family, neighborhood community, and his family — the one who always checked in, offered a kind word, and made sure no one ever felt alone. He touched countless lives through both his work and his friendship, and his loss leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who had the privilege to know him. His care of his parents and father-in-law extended over a decade with tireless acts of service. His pride and devotion to his children, Lucia & Nicholas, was evident in every interaction. They were his greatest joy. Survivors: Wife, Daughter: Lucia Romano of Allentown, Son: Nicholas Romano and his wife Rosalva Juma Martinez Romano of Allentown, Brother: Dominic Romano and his wife Susan Koch Romano of Northampton, Sister: Anna Marie wife of William Zeky of Northampton, Mother-In-Law: Rose Elissa Zanette Messino of Upper Macungie Twp, Father-In-Law: Ronald Anthony Messino (deceased) of Allentown. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. at the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home 16th and Hamilton Sts. Allentown, with the Allentown Police Honor Guard and services to follow the calling hours. His burial will be held privately at Bethlehem Memorial Park in Bethlehem, PA with a quiet family service on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ralph's memory to: Sixth Street Shelter, 219 North 6th Street Allentown, PA 18102 (The Sixth Street Shelter provides housing and casework services to homeless families with children in Allentown, during their stay, family members work with the Shelter), or to Safe House for Survivors of Violence, 444 East Susquehanna Street Allentown, PA 18103. (Safe House for Survivors of Violence is the Turning Point's Safe House program which provides short-term, safe place for victims of domestic violence and their dependents).