Victor Joseph "Vic" Romano

Victor Joseph Romano, Sr. (“Vic”) March 31, 1938- January 9, 2025 Victor Joseph Romano Sr., fondly known as Vic, passed away on January 9, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Anaconda, MT and later residing in Butte, MT, his life was a testament to his love for music, family, and community. Vic grew up on Franklin Street in Uptown Butte, with many stories of nearby Meaderville, and fostered a passion for music early on, learning to play the accordion among other instruments. He attended Butte High School, where he played clarinet and participated in band and orchestra throughout his four years. After graduating in 1956, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. In his early career, Vic worked as a music instructor as well as in the finance and insurance sectors with Avco Finance, Prudential, and MetLife. On February 23, 1963, he married the love of his life and wife of 58 years, Evon Romano in Anaconda, MT. Together in 1969, they built their home in Terre Verde Heights, where they lived for the rest of their lives. Vic was well-known for his performances with his band, The Copper Tones, at the Acoma Lounge where many cherished memories were made. Friends fondly recall nights filled with music, drinks, and merriment, with Vic's accordion playing at the heart of it all. He later opened Bugs N Bullets Sport shop on Harrison Ave, a beloved business for Montana outdoorsmen and a hub of social activity. The shop was more than just a place to buy gear; but was a gathering spot for stories and a place where relationships were forged. A lover of Polka and Big Band music, Vic was also renowned for his delicious Italian meals. Some of the fondest memories shared are of being gathered around the table enjoying his cooking, listening to stories, and devouring his one-of-a-kind spaghetti sauce that took all day to get just right. Upon retiring and selling the sports shop, Vic dedicated his time to home projects and caring for the many pets he and Evon loved. He often pretended to be annoyed by the ever-revolving menagerie of animals but his affection for the chaos was clear to all who knew him. Together, Vic and Evon carved horses for the Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel for well over a decade, a project that brought him immense pride. The completion of the carousel was one of his proudest accomplishments, and he loved to see the joy it brought to the community. Known as “Guppy” to his grandchildren and their friends, Vic was beloved to many for his mischievous winks, captivating stories, delicious cooking, and his knack for making everyone feel welcome through a shared meal and conversation around the dinner table. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ludavic and Helen “Nellie” Romano, his brother James F. Romano, and his beloved wife Evon Romano. Vic leaves behind his son Victor Romano Jr. (Erin McLeod); his granddaughters Chelsy Kindall (Zachary Kindall) and Emerald Watters (William Potter Jr.); his beloved dog, Meeka; and a vast community of friends who will forever miss him dearly. In accordance with Vic’s wishes, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel for the upkeep and maintenance of the horses he so lovingly helped to carve. Memorial donations can be made by mailing a check to PO Box 4133, Butte, MT 59702 with a note that your donation is in memorial of Vic Romano, or visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064548947497.

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Victor Joseph "Vic" Romano

March 31, 1938 - January 9, 2025