Joseph Martin Roman

Joseph Martin Roman, 81, of South Bend, IN, passed away on Monday November 9, 2020 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN following an illness.

He was born on April 5, 1939 to the late Joseph E. and Mary D. (Denewellis) Roman in Joliet, IL, and has lived in South Bend since 1969.  Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Francis "Frankie" Thiel and Bernard Roman.

On September 1, 1962, he married Donna I. Roman at St. Mary's Carmelite Church in Joliet, IL.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Donna I. Roman of South Bend, IN; three daughters, Jodi "Marie" (Patrick) Gault of Littleton, CO; Toni "Chuppa" (Frank) LaBate of Denver, CO; Elizabeth "Boo" Roman-Housand of Mishawaka, IN; one son, Joseph Frances Roman of South Bend, IN; four grandchildren, Samantha R. (Mike) Lindeman; Nicholas A. Gault; Jacob B. Housand; Benjamin D. Housand; one great granddaughter, Nora Athena Lindeman; two sisters, Geri (John) Palmer of Joliet, IL; Mary (Steve) Marshall of Joliet, IL; a half-sister, Renee Roman; a half-brother, Michael Roman; and a sister-in-law, Wendee Thiel of Plainfield, IL.

Joseph graduated from Joliet Township High School Central in 1957, and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Northern Illinois University.  He played football while attending high school and college.  Joe loved sports.  He also enjoyed the challenges of playing handball. He began playing in his teens at the YMCA in Joliet, IL, and continued playing until 2010 in South Bend, IN.

Joseph was a career salesman throughout his life, and retired in 2012.  His most recent job was at Carleton, Inc (1982 - 2012), where he sold association and alumni directories.  He was recognized as the #1 salesperson in this industry, all the while epitomizing the company's core values, and maintaining lasting friendships with his work family.

He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan all of his life.  Joe also coached Little League through Pony League baseball while living in Joliet.  His star shortstop was his brother, Frankie, and did they have fun!  Joe took his team all the way to the Little League World Series in California, and they finished second in the country.

Joe was a passionate Notre Dame football and basketball fan, attending games as a season ticket holder, or simply watching from home.  And who could forget the legendary 35 plus years of tailgating, while serving fabulous food, and the infamous bloody mary cocktails? He was a people person, and so enjoyed talking sports.

Joe was extremely proud of his heritage.  He was a longtime member of the local National Italian American Heritage Society.  Throughout the years he served on many committees, was an officer, and had received the annual prestigious "Columbus Award."  He was also instrumental in assisting and participating in their annual golf outings which raised money for their purpose:  to assist local students in the area with college scholarships.

He partnered with Coach MacLeod, the head basketball coach, and shared his creative idea of having a booster club for the basketball program.  They called it The Three Point Club.  It consisted of guest speakers, and a luncheon before the basketball games.  It was a great success!

Joe dedicated more than TV time to his ND passion.  He was on the Board of Directors for the Notre Dame Quarterback Club, and later became president in the 1997 season.  The luncheons were held in the hockey arena in the ACC.  He was so proud to represent this organization, and arrange programs and guest speakers. He also was in charge of a committee for the seating arrangements.  In the Lou Holtz era, they had 2500 attendees for one of the home game luncheons.

Joe was blessed with many lifelong friends.  They called him the "go to guy" and the "best of the best."  He was not a fan of mediocrity, and always helped his friends achieve their highest potential.

Joe will be remembered as a great family man.  He was proud of his son, especially for his thespian goals; and his three daughters and their families - four fabulous grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Due to the pandemic, services will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be sent to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA  22116-7023 https://www.diabetes.org/donate  or the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL  60674 https:// www.heart.org/.

Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, IN is handling arrangements.  To send condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

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