Linda M. Romano 1944-2021

She was born Oct. 9, 1944, in Youngstown, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Menichini Coppola. She married Charles J. Romano Sr. in 1994; he survives.

Linda was a 1962 graduate of Lowellville High School and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from Youngstown State in 1967. Not long after, she moved to California, where she worked with the LA County Children’s Services. She returned to Ohio in 1978 and continued her social work career for several agencies, including Trumbull County Children Services, Mahoning County Victims of Crime and Turning Point Counseling.

In her younger days, Linda really enjoyed traveling and always had fond memories of California. In her later years, she especially enjoyed taking day trips to visit “small shops” as shopping was always one of her favorite things to do. She loved talking on the phone with friends and family and was very interested in politics. She always went out of her way to get to know people and was well known at any establishment she frequented.

Along with her husband, Charles, she is survived by her son, Gerald “JJ” Benson and his wife, Brandi of Cochranton, Pa.; a stepdaughter, Nicole Romano of Lowellville; two stepsons, CJ Romano of Fort Mill, S.C. and Timmy Romano and his wife, Paula of Hubbard; grandchildren, Jayda Benson, Parker Rodgers and Peyton Rodgers; stepgrandchildren, Sabrina Romano, Miranda Romano and Krista Romano; two brothers, Joseph Coppola and his wife, Fran of Youngstown and Robert Coppola and his wife, Joanne of Lowellville; and a dear friend, Penny Yovich of Boardman.

In her own words, Linda described her husband Chuck as the “love of her life.” She wrote that her granddaughter Jayda was “so bright and beautiful” and that her “whole life was about her.” She also wrote that her son JJ was “so perfect and bright” and that her best friend, Penny was very “special.”

Linda was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, June 18, 2021, at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home at 244 McGill St., Lowellville. A dinner at the Holy Rosary Church Education Center will be held immediately afterward.

Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence for the family on Linda’s Book of Memories online at www.WarrenFH.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Ryan M. Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 544 Chestnut St., Meadville, Pa.

(special notice)