Reverend Monsignor Romano Ciotola

May 11 1940 - February 17 2019

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Photo Of Romano Ciotola

Visitation :

Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
Sunday February 24th 2019 1 - 7:30 p.m.

1559 Roxbury Road
Columbus Ohio 43212

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Services:

Rosary
Sunday February 24th 2019 at 7:30 pm

Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
1559 Roxbury Road
Columbus , Ohio 43212

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Funeral Mass
Monday February 25th 2019 at 10:30 am

Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
1559 Roxbury Road
Columbus , Ohio 43212

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Obituary

Reverend Monsignor Romano Ciotola, known to many as Father Romano, passed away on Sunday February 17, 2019, surrounded by family, friends and clergy. Romano was born on May 11, 1940 in the village of Cerreto in the Molise region of Italy. He is preceded in death by his parents Felice and Silvia Ciotola. He is survived by sisters Elda Milano (Americo), Angelina Milano (Marino), Rose Liguore (Dr. Lawrence), and brother Ascenzo Ciotola (Joanne); nieces Lisa Lancia, Mary Peters, Marina DiDonato, Joanna Ciotola White, Felicia Ciotola Drevna, Andrea Liguore, Adrianna Ciotola; nephews, Robert Milano, Victor Liguore, Robert Ascenzo Ciotola II; great nieces, Alyssa DiDonato, Courtney Peters, Gemma White, Lucia White, Camilla Drevna, Giana Liguore; great nephews, Anthony DiDonato, Connor Peters, and Carmine White. He is also survived by his long time friends and compassionate caretakers during his illness, David Petry, Pat Feamster and two Angels sent by God. At the young age of 11, as a result of the strong religious faith instilled upon him by his parents, Romano discerned a religious vocation and entered a preparatory boarding school in Trivento, Italy, for students interested in entering the priesthood. Then, at age 17, he entered the St. Pius X Pontifical Seminary in Chieti, Italy, for his first year of Seminary College. The following year, 1958, Romano emigrated to America with his family to join his father and older sister who had come two years earlier. Then at age 18, he attended St. Charles Seminary in Columbus and in 1961 proceeded to Mt. St. Mary Seminary in Cincinnati, where he completed his theological studies. He received a Master of Divinity Degree at St. John's College in Cleveland, Ohio, and also studied at the North American College in Rome. After Romano's Ordination on May 29, 1965, he was assigned as an Associate Pastor and High School religion teacher in several parishes and schools in Ohio. He was assigned as Associate Pastor at St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, Gahanna, Ohio, also serving as a Religion teacher at Bishop Hartley High School. He then served at St. Agnes Parish, Columbus, also serving as a Religion teacher at Bishop Ready High School; then served as Assistant Pastor in Dennison, Ohio at Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish, also serving as a Religion teacher at Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School. He then was assigned to Blessed Sacrament Parish in Newark, Ohio and served as a Religion teacher at Newark Catholic High School. In 1976 he served as Pastor of St. Patrick Parish in London, Ohio. In 1987 he was assigned as Pastor to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Grove City, Ohio. In July 2000, Romano arrived at Our Lady of Victory Parish, his original home parish and the location of his family and many relatives and friends from his village of birth. He has served his parish family there for 18 years. He was named a Prelate of Honor "Monsignor" by Pope John Paul II in 1992. Romano was honored to have been in the presence of three Saints - Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa and Padre Pio. Romano always endeavored to bring a faithful community closer to God. To accomplish that goal, with the support of Our Lady of Victory Parish and other friends, he built a church for the faithful in the village of Nueva Esperanza, Honduras - Iglesia Nuestra Senora de Fatima. He also participated in the upkeep of the nearby orphanage at Montana de Luz. Romano and Our Lady of Victory Parish provided financial support to Chibley Cardinal Longlois of the Diocese of Les Cayes in Haiti for the education of Seminarians and for hurricane reconstruction. He also financially supported the church in his native village - La Chiesa di San Felice Cantalice. He was very proud of his Italian heritage and led many tours there for his friends and parishioners to enjoy the culture, art, churches, food, and people. He also enjoyed playing golf and taking golf trips to Florida with family and friends. Romano was greatly loved and respected by his family. He provided the strong foundation and support that kept the family together. No family wedding or Baptism would have been complete without him. His personal touch will be forever cherished. Touching upon the gift of love of bringing people together and focusing on hospitality, the parishes that Romano served became communities and families. Romano was a humble and selfless man who changed the lives of all that he met. His love is a faithful reminder of what it means to be a servant of God. He will be dearly missed by all. Friends may call beginning at 1:00 p.m., concluding with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at Our Lady of Victory Church, 1559 Roxbury Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43212. Visitation will resume at 9:00 a.m., Monday, February 25, 2019, and will continue until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Bishop Frederick Campbell will celebrate the Mass and deliver the homily, priests of the Diocese will concelebrate, and burial will follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery, 6440 S. High Street, Lockbourne, Ohio 43137. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Monsignor Romano Ciotola Foundation for Seminarians, 3701 Boardman-Canfield Road, Unit 1, Canfield, Ohio 44406. Arrangements entrusted with the JOHN QUINT TREBONI FUNERAL HOME, 1177 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus (OH) where condolences may be sent via www.johnquint.com.


Condolences for Reverend Monsignor Romano Ciotola


From : John Nadalin
To : Ascenzo Ciotola
Date: February 20th 2019

Ascenzo - it has been so many years since we first met and my grandmother Primetta tried to get you to teach me the Italian language. Who knew that only a few years later Father Romano would be introducing me to my future (and current wife)Saundra at a dance at Saint Agnes; and then baptize our son and then prepare him to receive two more sacraments while at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Our condolences to you and your siblings and the many other relatives I see as surviving his love and guidance. All the best - John Nadalin, Ph.D.
From : Nicolina Mazzocco & family
To : Family of Monsignor Romano Ciotola
Date: February 20th 2019

Heartfelt condolences to the entire family of Monsignor Romano. Heaven has gained another angel, he will watch over you and give you strength at this difficult time.

Msgr. Romano and my departed husband Domenico shared a close and precious friendship in their youth in their native home town of Cerreto. While miles apart, in later years, that friendship continued, and Domenico treasured every opportunity to see each other during our family’s visits to Columbus.

Rest In Peace Msgr. Romano. Your amazing legacy is forever treasured!

Nicolina Mazzocco and family
From : Angie (Melaragno) Welling
To : Rose Liguore and the Ciotola family
Date: February 21st 2019

Rose, I am so sorry for your loss. My husband and I went to Italy with your brother and had a great time. He will be missed by many. Sorry we are not in town to be at the funeral. We are thinking of you and your family.
From : Mark and Jill Carissimi
To : The Ciotola family
Date: February 21st 2019

Please accept our condolences on the passing of Monsignor Romano. He was a wonderful person who spent a lifetime serving God and his fellow human beings. His intelligence and compassion improved the lives of many throughout his long career. The outline of his accomplishments in his obituary is most impressive. In particular, his support for the people of Haiti, for a church and orphanage in Honduras, and for the church in his native village in Italy reflect the all embracing nature of his faith. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Mark and Jill Carissimi
From : Jean Chase Warnick
To : family of Father Romano
Date: February 21st 2019

Father Romano and I would go sing Mass at St John The Baptist here in Columbus Ohio many years ago. He was truly a wonderful man.
I know he will be missed by many in the community. I felt it a privilege to have known him as a young man. He always said "I was one of the first American girls he knew."
My children and grandchildren came to know him at Our Lady Of Victory. He was certainly loved.

From : Dick & Laura Carissimi
To : The Ciotola Family
Date: February 21st 2019

We are sorry for your loss of Monsignor Romano. We send our most sincere sympathies to the entire family. Few people have done so much for so many in their lifetimes as Monsignor Romano Ciotola.
Dick & Laura Carissimi
From : Anthony Liguore & Peggy
To : Rose & Larry Liguore and Ciotola Family
Date: February 23rd 2019

Rose and Ciotola family.

Sorry for your loss. We have very fond memories of Msgr Romano. He was a very kind and decent man and leader in the church.

Participating in his wonderful tour of Italy and the will will be a great memory.

We will miss Romano and his cheerful nature.

Joe Liguore
From :
To :
Date: February 24th 2019


From : David and Anita Frickey
To : Family of Fr. Ciotola
Date: February 24th 2019

We offer our condolences. I, David, met Fr. Ciotola only once when he was in the hospital last November and I served Holy Communion to him.
From : Domenic Mazzochi
To : Ascenzo Ciotola and the Ciotola Family
Date: February 24th 2019

Ascenzo to you, your sisters, and the entire Ciotola family I express my sincerest and deepest condolences on the passing of your brother Monsignor Romano. Cerrito has lost another beloved son, one who devoted a lifetime to serving God and the goodness in people. I’m sure he had touched the lives of many, and they are all the better for having known the love in him. May he Rest In Peace.

Domenic Mazzocchi and family.