Theresa G. (Licitri) Romeo

Theresa G. Romeo (nee Licitri), 95, passed away peacefully at home on February 20th, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born October 1, 1927 in Akron, OH to parents, Joseph and Catena (Paterna) Licitri.

Theresa was the proud owner of D-A Specialty Co., which her parents founded in 1935, and after the loss of her brother, Jim, she and her husband, Bruce, carried on the business from a small retail-like restaurant supplier to a much larger full-scale company to carry on her family’s legacy. She had a phenomenal work ethic, and worked at D-A until she was 90.

Theresa was most proud of her Sicilian heritage, which led her to share years of involvement in the Sicilian-American Ladies Auxiliary, where she held many offices, and in the Italian American Council. She was instrumental in the early development of the Summit County Italian-American Festival. Her favorite past times were working at the family business, playing bingo, visiting the Golden Lion at the MGM Casino in Las Vegas, and sipping Averna. She also enjoyed travelling to visit family in Sicily.

Preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bruce; brother, Jim; and nephew, James Bruce; she is survived by daughters, Gina (Jeff) Bigelow, Jolene (Giovanni) Ricchiuti, and Lisa (Joseph) Zuschak; grandchildren, Bruno Ricchiuti (Jacqui), Giovanni Ricchiuti (Shannon), Angela DiIorio (Guido), Erik Bigelow (Haley), Catena Reizer (Chris), Anthony Zuschak, and Gabriella Zuschak; 9 great grandchildren; beloved niece, Eileen Licitri; and many other nieces, nephews and friends.

Many thanks to the Caregivers from Traditions Health Hospice for their loving care.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 a.m. SATURDAY March 11th at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 83 Mosser Place, Akron, OH 44310, with Rev. Fr. Edward Burba officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to mass. Inurnment at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Anthony Catholic Church .

Services entrusted to The Billow Funeral Home & Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road, Akron, OH 44333.