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In 1911, the RMS Titanic had yet to make its lone, disastrous voyage; much of Europe, the United States and Japan were three years away from waging World War I; and the world welcomed numerous notable figures, including cartoonist Joseph Barbera, actress Lucille Ball and playwright Tennessee Williams.
Philomena Decusatis joined the tiny population of Shenandoah, a town in Schuylkill County, Nov. 30 of that year. To mark her 100th birthday and to celebrate her 71 years of marriage to John Romeo, 67 friends and relatives gathered last week at Mamma Maria Ristorante Italiano, 1637 E. Passyunk Ave., for a robust dinner party.
“Very nervous,” the centenarian, who arrived 30 minutes into the dual commemoration, said of her feelings on being the night’s star.
Aromas and affection filled the establishment as attendees anticipated the entry by the resident of the 1600 block of South Jessup Street and her devoted spouse. The brainchild of grandsons John and Michael Romeo, the evening reunited Philomena Romeo with kin she had not seen in decades, including brother Attilio Decusatis, who traveled from Campagnia, Italy.
“We are so excited to be able to honor my grandmother,” Michael Romeo, of Glendora, N.J., said. “Her story amazes me.”
One of 16 grandchildren, Michael Romeo regaled the throng with tales of the beloved century-reacher as plates of garbanzo beans, grilled eggplant and roasted peppers pleased palates. Like many southern Europeans, her parents moved to Shenandoah early last century. Shortly after their daughter’s birth, they returned to the Cilento region of Campagnia, their homeland’s second most populous region. A fragile economy and the threat of hostility, the latter which would become a reality with World War II’s onset two years later, necessitated relocating to the United States in ’37.
Three years into her second American experience, the grande dame encountered John Romeo at a party. He fell for her immediately yet faced one troubling barrier — her engagement to another pursuer.
“My grandfather worked his charm, and soon that other guy was out of there,” Michael Romeo said.
“He told us he proposed within a week,” grandson John Romeo, of Moorestown, N.J., added as his namesake escorted his glowing lady to the upper dining area.
John and Philomena wed Sept. 1, ’40, and resided in Willow Grove for a spell. South Philly became their haunt five years later, and they have enjoyed wedded bliss each day of their local existence by acknowledging the perpetual power of communication.
“We have had a good life,” Philomena Romeo said of their union, which produced five children and has bore countless memories. “We have talked with each other about everything and have respected each other.”
Her mate, looking dapper at 94, agreed.
“Our secret is love,” he said of remaining vibrant and passionate about life.
Since joining the East Passyunk Crossing community, the Romeos have attended Mass at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, 1718 S. Ninth St. For Valentine’s Day, the site always lauds its married couples, giving special praise to those that have obtained enviable longevity. Nobody, Rev. Nick Martorano, the pastor at the 99-year-old location, said, has been able to match or surpass the Romeos.
Before the excited guests enjoyed the primary portions of Maria di Marco’s cuisine, the religious figure gave a blessing.
“Heavenly Father, we thank you for giving us this time to recognize Philomena,” he said. “We ask you to continue to bless her with the comfort of her family and friends and with continued health.”
He also read a commendation from Pope Benedict XVI and offered congratulations when a family member uttered praise from a plaque from President Barack Obama, the 18th president to serve during Philomena Romeo’s lifetime. Just to the right of a collage of his mother’s photos, Paul Romeo toasted his creators.
“I remember when they celebrated their 50th anniversary,” the proud son and Deptford, N.J., resident said, “I wished for Mom to reach 100 years. I never would have imagined we would be so fortunate. Cent’anni!”
During her abundant life, Philomena Romeo has accumulated many fond recollections, but the past did not concern her last week, as she concentrated on being grateful for a joyous evening. She confessed that she appreciated holding an irreplaceable spot in everyone’s heart.
“I feel proud,” she said of mattering so much to so many.
Hanging on her every word, her husband beamed as she discussed their 71 years of marriage.
“We make a good pair,” he said, giving himself a chuckle.
Antipasto, minestrone and a trio of pasta choices kick-started the main eating, with laughter teaming with wine to make an enlightening duo. Four entrée choices tempted the taste buds of the guests, with Philomena Romeo opting for veal. Though the United States has been her abode for 74 years, her original home never strays from her thoughts. A plaque from the head of Cilento joined the other gifts, including dozens of congratulatory cards, on a table. The reminder of her native country’s affinity for her lengthy life touched her, as did having overdue reunions with certain figures.
Attilio Decusatis had not seen his sister since ’79. The thrilled sibling eagerly made up for lost time by sitting beside her, with smiles that made apparent his satisfaction.
“This is a momentous occasion,” he said through an interpreter. “We have memories to relive, and I know she will enjoy doing so because her mind is so sharp. I never would have imagined I would have this chance.”
In solid health, his darling relative may have many more chances to experience life among her grateful gang. Philomena Romeo shows no signs of slowing, fully intent on keeping active the mind her brother esteems.
The night concluded with two cakes, including an Italian rum cake, which Michael Romeo said has long been a family staple. Though the evening honored one generation of the clan, it also allowed another to be reflective.
“I love her pasta,” 9-year-old Adriana Bartolomeo, one of Philomena Romeo’s five great grandchildren, said. “Her soup is great, too.”
The girl often sees her grandmother during the Christmas season, so her taste buds will not go unaddressed.
Brothers Christian, 10, and Dominic Romeo, 13, interact with Philomena Romeo five times a year, enough to give each a great impression of her.
“Great grandmom is very nice,” Christian said.
“We have one wish for her,” Dominic added. “More birthdays.”
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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