Fred Romano

Fred "Papa Romano" Romano November 17, 1952 - October 2, 2026 

Fred Romano, born November 17,1952, in NY, NY, passed away peacefully, at home in GA, surrounded by his family, on Friday, October 2, 2026. He leaves behind a family who will forever remember his generous heart, love of life and deep love for his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.

He began his career as a barber and eventually owned his own salon on Long Island in NY. He also had the opportunity to be a hair model, traveling to participate in world championship competitions around the world. In 1991, Fred and his wife moved to Blue Ridge, GA, where he embraced a new chapter of life. He began working on crews building homes and went on to designing and building his own home, a wonderful achievement that we are all very proud of. After working at Mountain Mattress in Blue Ridge, for many years, he became the owner/ operator of the business until he retired in 2016. It wasn't unusual for Fred to offer a customer a free haircut while they shopped for a bed and many customers ended up becoming friends.

For many years Fred volunteered at Christian Love Ministries in Murphy, NC, a drug & alcohol addiction recovery program and eventually had the opportunity to work as a counselor for the men in the program. He also was a counselor in a program at Miracle Lake, a recovery program in Etowah, TN counseling men newly released from prison.

Fred is gone but will never be forgotten and will be deeply missed by all. He is resting in the arms of Jesus, his Savior. His wife of 43 years, and six children, Jessica, Jonathan, Rachel, Joseph, Rebekah (husband, Tristan) , Judah (wife, Meaghan), grandchildren, Matthew and Theodore , his sister Linda Torrez & brother Tommy Romano and many extended family members will have many wonderful memories and funny stories to share about him for years.

Fred was radically saved , and he never kept that experience to himself. His faith was not something he quietly carried; it was something he shared openly. He told nearly everyone he met about what the Lord had done in his life. He met Billy Graham, and that encounter changed his life: view his testimony here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXt4ti3C5AE 

Fred wanted others to know the same hope, grace, and salvation he had experienced. The most defining part of his life was his relationship with the Lord. Throughout his life, he brought many people to the Kingdom, planting seeds of faith wherever he went. His faith was ultimately his greatest legacy.

There will not be a formal funeral service . In keeping with Fred's wishes his family will celebrate his life together, remembering the joy, faith, stories and love he shared with them. This celebration reflects Fred's desire for his family to gather not only in grief, but also in gratitude for the life he lived and the people he loved.

Fred will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, craftsman, storyteller, food lover, and passionate follower of Christ. Papa we love you, we miss you and we will carry your faith, your stories, and your love with us always.

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Fred Romano. Sign the guest register and send condolences online at www.cochranmcdaniel.com.