George Romagno

George Romagno, 83, passed away Thursday, April 21, 2016.

He was born in Thermopolis, Wyo., to Joseph and Pasqua Romagno on November 2, 1932. He was a first generation American and loved his country passionately.

George married the love of his life, Mary Lou Wales, on January 10, 1960, in Hamilton Dome. They moved to Coalinga in 1964 and then to Bakersfield in 1976. George was a Korean War Veteran and a member of the 300th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, a Wyoming National Guard unit comprised of 387 officers and soldiers from Sheridan, Lovell, Thermopolis, Cody and Worland and were joined by 229 soldiers from other states to meet combat strength, and who proudly became the “The Cowboy Cannoneers” one of the most decorated and highly respected artillery units in the Korean War. The 300th Armored Field Artillery earned two US presidential Unit Citations, one US Meritorious Unit Commendation, two Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations, two French Croix de Guerre, 12 Silver Star Medals, 38 Bronze Star Medals for Valor, and 183 Purple Heart Medals, as well as many other individual and unit awards.

George loved life and had a great sense of humor. His passion for his work and play was contagious. He was a welder/pipe fitter or as he liked to put it a “pipe fighter” and always said it wasn’t work when you loved what you did. He was a mentor to generations of welders and always enjoyed teaching anyone all that he knew. His passions were many: welding, motorcycles (dirt bikes and Harleys), skydiving, traveling, shooting, singing and telling a good joke.

George is survived by his son, Robert (Carrie); daughter, Valerie (Ernie) Garewal; brother, Arthur; sister, Dorothy (Wade) Mink; grandchildren, Shawn, Ashley, Heather, Tyler, Alexis, Nikki, Cristie and Jake; great-grandchildren, Bryce, Devin, Jaxon, Brady, Layla, Khloe, Taylor and Marshall; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou; son, Fred; brother, Paul; sisters, Margaret and Grace; and parents Joseph and Pasqua.

Military Honors for George were held May 6 at Bakersfield National Cemetery in Arvin, Calif. George’s Celebration of Life was held following services.