Jack Romita, Sr., senior vice president of Castle Oil Corporation, died suddenly on November 28, 2011.
Born in the Bronx on June 8, 1930, to Libertaria and Mauro Romita, Mr Romia was a cherished father, brother and uncle and a beloved friend and colleague to all at Castle.
He began working for his father in the company at a very young age after school. Among his earliest responsibilities were stoking the coal burners in the garage in the early hours of the morning before school to ensure that the diesel trucks would start.
Mr Romita joined the company full time in 1945 and worked as a salesman, dispatcher, driver, serviceman — whatever needed to be done. He quickly assumed responsibility for the fleet and all maintenance. This is a responsibility, the scope of which expanded dramatically over the years, and which he held until the day of his death.
In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities at Castle, Mr. Romita served the company on its board of directors.
Known for his extraordinary warmth, care and concern for all of his employees, high energy, perpetually positive outlook and wonderful sense of humor, Mr Romita was Castle’s historian, chronicling the many phases of the company’s success over the years through the photos and mementos proudly displayed in his office.
His colleagues said, “Jack’s sense of caring and a ready smile were ever present. He was truly the soul of Castle.
“His passing is a great loss to us all. While we mourn a terrible loss, we are privileged to have shared in, and we now celebrate, a life well lived.”
Mr Romita was a brother to Michael, Mary Digirolamo, Louis (deceased) and Mauro C. Romita.
