John Romans

John Niebrugge Romans - May 23, 1942 - May 5, 2019, died peacefully with his family close at hand. Preceded in death by his parents John McDowell and Helen Niebrugge Romans, John is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Caroline Ward Romans; his treasured sons John (Jill) and Andrew (Pavlina); six cherished grandchildren (Sarah, Jack, Betsy, James, Max, and Richard); beloved sister Lila Romans Hooper and brothers Sandy (Mary Alice) and Chip (Bobbi); and 12 nieces and nephews. Born in Brooklyn, NY, and a native of the East Coast, John lived in San Diego, CA and Yokosuka, Japan while serving as a Lieutenant in the US Navy before moving back to the metro New York area. An alumnus of Poly Prep, Williams College, and Columbia Law School, John was internationally recognized as an aviation litigation expert with a career that included Chadbourne & Parke, Curtis Mallet-Prevost Colt & Mosley, Katten Muchin & Zavis and successful trials throughout state and federal court systems, including two separate victories at the US Supreme Court. A gifted tenor, John was happiest when singing with life-long friends and family from the Treblemakers and Ephlats of Williams College, The University Glee Club of New York City and its sub group, The Crickets, The Larchmont Yacht Club, to informal sing-alongs around the fireplace. John was an avid sailor who also loved swimming, dancing, theater, and travel, which he enthusiastically shared with his family and friends; typically with a story, a song, a strum of the guitar, and a hearty laugh. 

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