Stephen Salvatore Romines' Obituary
Stephen Salvatore Romines was born in Portland, Oregon on May 28, 1953. Steve was released from a courageous four year battle with pancreatic cancer on September 13, 2018 at age 65. He passed away surrounded by loved ones at the Franciscan Hospice House.
Steve spent many of his childhood years with his Sicilian Grandma Jose where his love for cooking and baking began. He attended Portland State University and joined ROTC, followed by three and a half years of active service in the Army as a nurse. After the army, Steve worked as a nurse paramedic for local ambulance companies when this type of care was just beginning. In 1982, he began his administrative career in emergency services, working with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, eventually becoming Director of Emergency Medical Services of Thurston County. After a dedicated 25 year career with Thurston County, Steve built an impressive and innovative organization: Thurston County Medic One is now a nationally recognized leader in pre-hospital emergency medical care. Through Steve’s guidance and leadership, Thurston County Medic One helped to increase Thurston County’s survival rates for cardiac arrest to one of the highest in the nation: an accomplishment of which he and those he worked with were very proud.
Steve also served as the Lacey Rotary Club President from 2002-2003, where he participated in Wheelchair International's goal to provide one million wheelchairs to those in need. He and his wife Darlyne were also active with the Student Exchange Program, taking trips to Disney with the group and forming close friendships with the students.
Steve’s dedication to his work, his region, and his colleagues will never be forgotten. When Steve retired after 25 years of service, his county manager noted him as “irreplaceable.” His family certainly agrees.
Steve met the fun and adventurous Darlyne Reiter in 1988. They were married in 1994. Beginning with their idyllic honeymoon in Bora Bora, they traveled to dozens of countries, always coming back with stories and photographs of people they met along the way. Together, they had a deeply loving marriage filled with adventure and laughter, joyful family get-together's and shared times with dear friends.
Darlyne, Steve’s stepchildren Steve Heim and Brenda Picha and his grandchildren Samantha, Madeline, David, Katie, Hannah, Chloe and Casey all love and miss him dearly. Steve was an exceptional stepdad and grandparent, always patient, caring, and bringing laughter into the room. He was known for showing his love through cooking and baking. Steve was tremendously generous with his talents, and with his time. The undivided attention he gave each of his grandchildren was a gift that will stay with them forever. Steve was nothing short of an incredible, extremely smart, and purely good person.
Steve is survived, and missed dearly, by his wife Darlyne, his stepchildren, grandchildren, two brothers: Dean and Robert, and sister, Mary, his sister-in-law Amee and niece Rebecca, as well as so many other loved ones. Steve will be greatly missed, but he remains with us all. We love you, Steve, Grandpa, Nonno, Dad, brother, uncle, cousin, friend.
A service honoring the life of Stephen will be held 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 8, 2018 in the Aspen Chapel.
Because of Steve's love of cooking, the family is inviting all who attend to bring a favorite food dish to share. A potluck reception will follow in the Willow room of the Celebration of Center Building at Mountain View Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Lakewood.
Share your memories of Steve and condolences to the family by visiting the tribute wall.
What’s your fondest memory of Stephen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Stephen?
Share a story where Stephen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Stephen you’ll never forget.
How did Stephen make you smile?