John Neil Romanelli

John Neil Romanelli formerly of Cranston, died peacefully on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at the Bristol Rhode Island Veterans Home where he was lovingly cared for by the entire staff.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Peter and Victoria (Romano) Romanelli. He was the husband of the late Donna L. Romanelli and father of the late Robert S. Romanelli and Lovonda L. Romanelli. He is survived by his son, Christopher and his daughter-in-law, Audrey of Cranston, RI, and his son, John of Woonsocket, RI. He will be missed by his loving grandchildren Courtney, Christopher, Kristen, Meghan, Mikaela, Heather, and Sarah. He is survived by his sister Paula and her husband Joe Slovick of Davenport, Florida, as well as cherished relatives in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He was the last surviving brother of the late Frank, Gabriel, Josephine, and Carmen Romanelli.

Mr. Romanelli joined the United States Navy upon graduating high school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1946 at age of eighteen. He was the top of his class in boot camp and was picked to be the leader of sixty men in his class. At that time, his chief petty officer recommended him for submarine school. It took him only six months to graduate. John served on the USS Carp SS 338, USS Marlin SS T-2, and the USS Sea Cat SS 399 submarines. He then transferred to the submarine tender, USS Bushnell AS 15. Later in his navy career, he was accepted to nuclear submarine school. Upon graduation, he was offered commissions to the USS Nautilus and the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He chose to teach at the Naval War College. Mr. Romanelli completed his career at the US Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut where he was the Chief Operating Officer of the lower base. He proudly retired as a Lieutenant Commander of the United States Navy.

In retirement, he had several hobbies, including golfing, sailing, painting, furniture making, and playing cards.

His Funeral Service and Military Honors will be held on Tuesday, September 19th at 11a.m. at the Rhode Island Veterans Home Community Living Center, 480 Metacom Ave., Bristol, followed by burial in the Churchyard at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Portsmouth, RI.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hope Alzheimer's Center, 25 Brayton Ave. Cranston, Rhode Island 02920 would be appreciated by his family.