Dorothy M. Romeo (nee Gockel), age 93 of Willoughby, passed away August 23rd, 2024 at home surrounded by her family. She was born December 16th, 1930 in Cleveland to the late Edwin and Mildred Gockel.
Dorothy studied at Lakeland Community College where she earned her associate’s degree and kept a 4.0 grade average. She then attended UNLV where she was involved with the Theatre program. She started her career at the Lake County Welfare Department and retired in 2000 from Progressive Insurance where she worked as a secretary.
Dorothy was a member of the Willowick Little Community Theatre where she received two best actress awards, an active member at Erieside Church on the Blvd. in Willowick, a member of the Wickliffe Senior Center where she took tap dancing classes at the age of 90. She volunteered at Hospice of the Western Reserve, Breckenridge in Willoughby and the Willoughby-Eastlake School District reading to children.
Dorothy was the loving wife of the late Phil Romeo and the late Jack Reeves; dearest mother of Gina (Al) Moses, Lee Ann Romeo, David Romeo, and John Romeo; beloved grandmother of Alicia (Bryce) Steinmetz, Philip (Tanja) Moses, Jesse Moses, Brielle (Meggan-Fiancée) Romeo, Ashtan (Dr. Nelson) Quezada Jr., Rozario Orlan, David (Amanda) Romeo, and Jason Jeffers; great grandmother of Matthew, Camden, Thomas and Mason; sister of the late Robert (Shirley) Gockel and Lois (Thomas) Wilson; aunt and great aunt of many.
All services for Dorothy were private. Burial at Willoughby Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dorothy’s name to Erieside Church on the Blvd. in Willowick www.erieside.org or to Hospice of the Western Reserve www.hospicewr.org
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral Home, 1000 Mentor Ave., Painesville.
Reader interactions
9 Replies to “Dorothy M. Romeo (nee Gockel)”
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was an incredible woman in every way. She will be missed.
In the short time I knew Dorothy, it was one I will never forget. I consider myself privileged to have known such a wonderful and enthusiastic woman. I can only hope to be half the person that she was. Prayers and condolences go out to her family and many friends. ????
I’m sorry for your loss . Beautiful lady .
Dorothy Romeo was the kindest and most loving friend and neighbor. Paul and I had the pleasure of living next door to her and the family in Willowick for over 6 years. We loved them. Dorothy remembered our wedding anniversary with a card each year until our 50th. We had a total of 58 years!
So sorry all of you for your loss. Dorothy was so special. Sending hope and love and caring thoughts with a hug to each of you- Gina, Lee Ann, David and John. Bless you all ????
Bless Dorothy’s heart in Heaven. Our Lord welcomed her with open arms ????
Only great memories I remember the days of my youth when the door was always open. I am sure she will be truly missed by many. My prayers are being said for her soul to rest in peace.
Gina, Lee Ann, David and John. So sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was truly one of a kind.
It’s hard to put into words what a dear person Dorothy was to so many people. Knowing her and being her friend meant the world to me. We had so many wonderful conversations about old movies and famous people that she liked in them. I am truly blessed to have been a part of such a special lady’s life. So many great memories to cherish and look back on. My condolences to all of you, your Mom will never be forgotten for being a wonderful person. So sorry I couldn’t be with all of to honor her. Bless you and your family.
I worked with Dorothy at the Dept of Job & Family Services many, many years ago and we kept in touch and saw each other until recent years. So she was a long time wonderful friend and was such a joy – so funny & kind hearted. I have missed her and will miss her very much. My deepest sympathy goes out to her family.
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