Robert Roman

Robert Roman, 78, of Fairview, NJ, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, May 26, 2024. “Mr. Roman” – as he was affectionately known to generations of fifth-grade students at Lillian M. Steen Elementary School in Bogota, NJ – “gave the kids everything I ever wanted in a teacher” during his distinguished 32-year career in the Bogota Public School system, beginning in 1969. Mr. Roman was born to make learning fun and taught children how to win and lose with dignity, providing a classroom in which many young people gained confidence along with their first experiences in friendly competition and where trivia games and music were central. An astounding number of Mr. Roman's students name him their favorite teacher, hold his classroom close in memory as the safest of spaces and continue to regale their own children with stories of their experiences and teachings from his classroom. Mr. Roman led his “Blockbusters” trivia game in the Bogota community for 54 years – continuing in his retirement through 2023.

Mr. Roman was devoted to his hometown of Fairview. During his youth, the Roman family home was a regular meeting place for a clan of local kids. Mr. Roman graduated from Seton Hall University in 1969, at which he was a champion golfer, and excelled in athletics overall. His deep love for music remained throughout his life. A self-taught musician, he played guitar and brass instruments by ear, and he was a wonderful singer. Mr. Roman marched with the Rough Riders drum and bugle corps locally in Cliffside Park and Fairview, gaining lifelong friendships. He also judged Drum Corps International competitions along the East Coast. Despite significant hearing loss in his later years, he never lost his ability to appreciate music and laughter.

Mr. Roman was predeceased by his parents, Charlie and Marie Roman, and older brother, Harold. Mr. Roman is survived by his “kids” (former students too numerous to name), dear friends from his neighborhood and schools, former colleagues and his devoted trivia night participants. He counted as family the de Cordovas, Klemms/Shinskes and Cappadonas, among others.

Mr. Roman hated the color black; accordingly, bright colors and Hawaiian shirts are welcome at his services: a viewing at Petrik Funeral Home in Bogota on Wednesday June 5, 2024 from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., including a celebration of Mr. Roman’s life at 7 p.m. To honor Mr. Roman, brush up on your U.S. states, capitals and largest cities; help a child; sing Peter, Paul and Mary or the Beach Boys; and never stop having fun.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Roman’s memory to Bogota Public Library, Bogota, NJ.