James Stanley Romanow

James S. Romanow, 60, of Storrs CT, passed away on May 8, 2011, following a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Robin Lubatkin. They had been together for over 30 years. He was born in the Utica, NY area, and his family eventually settled in Unionville, CT. Jim had been employed for over thirty years (having retired recently) by the University of CT's Physiology and Neurobiology Electron Microscopy Lab in Storrs, initially under the direction of the late Dr. Alan Wachtel, and subsequently under the direction of Dr. Marie Cantino. In addition to his wife Robin, he is survived by their daughter Dahlia Romanow of Storrs, CT. He is also survived by his children from his first marriage to Elisabeth King (Austin King) Martin Romanow of Simsbury and Stephanie Brennan, her husband Steven Brennan, of Farmington CT, and their wonderful boys Patrick, Dylan, and Timothy. He loved being a grandfather. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Rita who adored him, as well as his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Andrea and Fred Richman of Gaithersburg, MD and their children David and Lisa. Jim's brother Donald resides in the Utica, NY area and Jim is also survived by his beloved Aunts Bertha Romanow and Mary Remizowksi, as well as his Uncle Joseph Romanow and his wife Joan of Syracuse, NY and numerous cousins. Jim was predeceased by his mother and father Jean and Stanley Romanow. Jim was a shining star, a man who gave his all with the utmost generosity of spirit and he did so much for so many people. He leaves behind a large community of cherished friends and family who enriched his life in immeasurable ways, and are now offering their loving support. He was a talented musician, a true Mr. Fix-it, and an inspiring life long learner, always energized by new and exciting projects. Over the years he belonged to many bands. Most recently, he was a member of The Kingpins and over the past year had become involved with helping Bruce John with his Breadbox series, both as musician and as a sound man. He was beloved by his family and by so many people. He will be dearly missed. We would like to think that his spirit is making heavenly music. Farewell dear Jim ... we will meet again. Jim's legacy will continue on in others by the gift of tissue donation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's memory to the Covenant Soup Kitchen, 220 Valley Street, Willimantic, CT 06226-2332. Calling hours will be at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Rte. 195, Willimantic on Sunday May 15, 2011 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. A celebration of Jim's life will be planned for a later date this summer. He would have wanted a party with lots of music, good food, and stories to share, and we will make his wish come true. For online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .