Obituary of Ernest Romeo Cianfaglione

Ernest Romeo Cianfaglione died in his home on Wednesday, June 10, of natural causes. He was 86 years old. "Romeo" was born in the town of Pratola Peligna, in Abruzzi, Italy. He emigrated to the United States in 1937 with his family and settled in Yonkers, NY. Romeo attended the Yonkers Public Schools and was a student at Saunders High School. During his younger life he was a natural athlete. He tried out and was accepted to play for the NY Yankees at 17 years old. Unfortunately, he declined due to life circumstances at the time. In 1952 he was drafted into the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict. During his service, he volunteered and became a member of the elite 101st Airborne division, better known as the "Screaming Eagles". Romeo quickly advanced to the rank of Sergeant. When the time came for discharge, the Army wanted him to stay to make the military his career. Even though he was a true patriot, he had other plans back home. He returned to the states and married his beloved wife, Antoinette DiLello, also from Yonkers, in 1956. Romeo started his own construction company from the ground up. He was a master carpenter who built a thriving business that would go on to build prestigious buildings throughout NY. He was also very creative and a unique "thinker", always tinkering in his shop with machines, cars, etc. We always went to "Daddy" when something needed to be fixed or built. As children, we remember him building an ATV, go-cart, Jeep, Hot Rod and numerous projects around the house. As soon as you asked, he was on it. He served as a mentor to many. Romeo and Antoinette raised and are survived by their three children - David Cianfaglione of Thompson's Station, TN, John Cianfaglione of Sayreville, NJ, and Diane Peterson of Point Pleasant, NJ, their spouses, Linda Cianfaglione, Debby Cianfaglione, and Douglas Peterson, and his seven grandchildren, DJ, Megan, Melissa, Emily, Lauren, Ben and Luke. Romeo was an avid outdoorsman and hunter. He was a founding member and belonged to the Nodine Rod and Gun Club in Yonkers. He was in his element in the woods. He was a student of history and loved to read anything about military history. He also belonged to the Italian American Club and was a proud Italian immigrant and true American patriot. Being an American citizen was so very important to him. Romeo lived life to the fullest, on his own terms, with no regrets or apologies. He definitely marched to his own drum. For those that knew him, he was loud, intolerant, short tempered, unfiltered, insulting at times, opinionated, as well as loving, caring, concerned, authentic and passionate about everything, always there to help someone in need. Always very supportive of his children's or wife's endeavors. He had the biggest heart we have ever seen. He was a great story teller and could always cheer you up and make you laugh. The life of every party. These traits, good and bad, are what made Romeo…Romeo. That's why he was loved so much. For those of us that knew Romeo, forever or for just one day, he left a lifelong impression. He accomplished so much throughout his life, he was self made and proud of it. Romeo will be sorely missed, but he is with the love of his life, his "Petunia", in Heaven now. Love you Daddy….