Rico Penaflorida Romen

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Rico Romen at the age of 59 in Georgetown, Ontario. Rico was the loving husband of Lily and father to Michael, Kyle, and Aaron.

Rico was born in Metro Manila to Gregorio and Loreto as the youngest of four siblings, along with Mel, Jun, and Aida. Gregorio was a Colonel with the Philippine military, and Loreto worked for the government. Rico studied at Philippine Christian University and graduated with a degree in management. Tale as old as time: Rico met Lily at a party. He was friends with her older brother. They married in ‘92; Lily moved to Canada, gave birth to Michael in ‘94, and Rico followed soon after to settle down in Canada where he was blessed with Kyle in ‘98 and Aaron in ’05.

Dad was one of the strongest men that we have ever known, and we wish that we spent more time thanking him for his strength. He was diagnosed with renal failure in 2009 and underwent dialysis every other day for the next 16 years, praying for a transplant that would not come. Tatay was famous in the dialysis ward; his sense of humour and his bright personality was a key feature of his time with the nurses, doctors, and fellow patients in the hospital. It was the same love of laughter that marked road trips (with loud sing-a-longs), trips to the cottage with our church community (shout out to the brothers and sisters of MFC), or grabbing food with the family when we couldn’t be bothered to cook.

Look after us, Dad. We’re praying for you.

Visitation and services will be held at Jones Funeral Home, 11582 Trafalgar Road, Georgetown, Ontario. Friends and family will be received for the viewing on Sunday, June 1, 2025 between 1-4pm and 6-8pm. The funeral mass will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 14400 Argyll Rd, Georgetown, ON L7G 5S6, on Monday June 2, 2025 at 10:30am. There will be a reception immediately following mass.

If anyone wishes to send flowers, we ask that they be sent to Jones Funeral Home before Saturday, 4:30pm. Any financial donations can be transferred to Michael.Romen@dpcdsb.org