Angel Luis Roman Jr.

Angel Roman was a strong and giving person, a man’s man who dedicated his life to providing for his beloved family, even when things got difficult (or when, as one of his favorite expressions went, “La Piña esta agria”). His life was a rich tapestry, woven of strong family ties, bright accents of laughter, music, and dancing, and a strong foundation of hard work and high personal standards. Angel’s kind heart, generous nature, and deep devotion to his family will live on in the hearts and memories of all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Angel Luis was born on February 12, 1958, to proud parents Angel L. and Petra (Gonzalez) Roman. Although he had two sisters – Maria and Clara – as the only son in the family Angel was his mother’s baby, and always had a special place in her heart. The Roman family lived in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, where Angel attended school through high school. As a child, Angel could often be spotted playing baseball, or riding a bicycle or motorcycle. From his parents, Angel learned the importance of family, and he honored these family values throughout his life.

In 1978, when Angel was still a young man, he moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Here, he lived with his aunt and began the process of earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In 1981, while attending a Spanish Literature class, Angel made the acquaintance of a young lady named Isabel Roche. They started chatting because Isabel had just returned from Puerto Rico, and Angel told her a joke. This encounter began their romance, and they soon realized they had many interests in common, including a shared love of dancing and Salsa music. On April 25, 1981, Angel and Isabel were delighted to invite friends and family to their wedding ceremony at Old St. Mary’s Church in Milwaukee.

Angel and Isabel settled into married life in a home on 2568 N. Buffum Street. Angel worked as a paraprofessional for Milwaukee Public Schools, while Isabel taught first grade. As the years went by, Angel and Isabel were blessed with four children, whom they named Angel, Isabel, Isaia, and Alejandro. Angel loved being a dad, and he was a good father – “respected, respectful, and straight as an arrow.” He always looked out for his children, and passed on to them the ethic of hard work that had so shaped his own life.

In his free time, Angel enjoyed fixing up Volvo cars, Salsa music, and dancing. He and Isabel often went dancing at local Hispanic clubs, and when the kids were old enough, they went as a family! They also took many family vacations, and the whole family has fond memories of trips to Florida, Georgia, New York, and Puerto Rico.

Although the demands of raising a family delayed Angel’s educational plans, he never gave up on his dream of graduating from college. In 2004, he was proud to graduate from U-W Milwaukee with a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing.

Sadly, in 2009 Angel was diagnosed with colon cancer. He battled the disease courageously, but his health continued to deteriorate. Even in the midst of this struggle, however, Angel found joy in life. He continued to go dancing up to a few months ago, and was a “super grandpa,” who loved playing with his grandchildren.

Strong, generous, and principled, Angel was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members.

Angel Luis Roman Jr. died on October 19, 2012, at the age of 54. Angel’s family includes his wife, Isabel (nee Roche); his children, Angel (Jessica), Isabel, Isaia and Alejandro Roman; his grandchildren, Analia and Ylenia; his mother, Petra Gonzalez; his sisters, Maria and Clara Roman; and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be on Monday, October 22, from 5 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 7 p.m., at Old St. Mary’s Church, 836 N. Broadway. Interment will be in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Please visit Angel’s personal memory page at www.SuminskiFuneralHome.com, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.