Louis (Lou) Romaine Jr. passed away peacefully on October 24th, 2025, at the age of 81.

If you knew Lou you loved him…he was always smiling, loved a good pun, and always quick with a joke. A gifted storyteller, an incredible listener, and a wonderful gentleman with a heart of gold.

Born and raised in Garden City South, Lou was deeply proud to call the community his lifelong home. He graduated from H. Frank Carey High School in 1961, where he played varsity lacrosse. Garden City South Little League held a special place in his heart, where he served as a board member, coach, and player.

Lou was a decorated member of the New York Police Department for 30 years, beginning as a police officer in the Tactical Patrol Force (TPF) and later a Detective in the 112th Precinct in Forest Hills. Never one to sit still, he embarked on a second, twenty-year career as the Investigator for the State of New York Grievance Committee for the Second and Eleventh Judicial Districts. Throughout his career as both a Police Officer and Detective, he had the opportunity to work in every borough of New York City, including numerous Saturday Night Live tapings, musical concerts at MSG, and many Yankee and Mets games, where he once escorted his hero, Joe DiMaggio, while on duty. Perhaps most amusingly, he turned the entire 112th Detective Squad into daily All My Children viewers. Everything stopped at 1 pm to watch his favorite soap opera. Ever dedicated and full of energy, Lou also served as a U.S. Federal Marshal and Private Security at numerous U.S. Tennis Opens and various New York City Poster Art Shows.

Lou was an avid fisherman, talented softball player, and incredible gardener. Perhaps his favorite pastime, “goobying,” in his beloved pick up truck all around the neighborhood. He was a huge fan of the UConn Women’s basketball team and of course Villanova Men’s Basketball. He was a lifelong fan of the Yankees, Knicks and Jets… there wasn't a sports game on TV he wouldn't watch.

Music was also a huge part of his life. He loved Doo Wop music and attended hundreds of concerts with his best friend of 70 years, Gasper Bonfardino. He remained singing until the very end.

Of course, most of all, he loved and adored his four grandchildren, spending as much time with each of them as he could. Treasuring every moment and watching them grow up.

He is survived by his wife Judith, his children Barbara Jean (Michael) and Kevin (Rosa) and grandchildren Caitlin, Caroline, Evan and Elycia. He is now reunited with his son Brian, after 32 years.

Our hearts are both broken and completely full to have had the chance to love and be loved by Louis Romaine, one of the greatest gifts of our lives.