Obituary of Roman Jaramillo

On the evening of October 31, 2016, Roman Jaramillo passed away at home with his daughter and family by his side. Roman was born on February 18, 1930 in Cuenca, Ecuador. He was the youngest of five children to Rosita Malo and Luis Carlos Jaramillo. As a child Roman loved bicycle riding and collecting stamps. He worked locally in Cuenca from an early age and went to an accounting school in his early teens. Roman, affectionately known as "Uncle Ray" to his many nieces and nephews, ventured to America in 1950. With the help and support of his eldest brother Marcelo, he was sponsored for a job in a Baltimore hat factory. Seeking new opportunities, Roman moved to New York City where he shared a room with a cousin on 88th street and Central Park West. Through family introductions, Roman met Lucia Davila in 1950. They married November 27, 1954. Roman joined the United States Army in 1952, and served as a Medic in the 4th Infantry overseas in Alaska. Along with an honorable discharge in 1954, Roman proudly earned his U.S. citizenship. Soon after, he began a 25-year career, working his way up from the mail room to becoming a Purser and Staff Officer in the US Merchant Marines where he worked for the Grace Lines cruise ship company. Roman traveled to many countries always returning home with gifts and memorabilia from across the seas from every port - "recuerdos" for his immediate and extended family. His favorite port of call was Plan de Valparaiso, Chile where the city is beautiful and the restaurants and outdoor markets were bustling and full of great deals. Roman and Lucia raised their children Carlos and Denise in Bayside, Queens from 1960 to 1986. From there life brought them to Brigantine NJ, working and reveling in the Atlantic City nightlife until transitioning to retirement in Century Village, Pembroke Pines in 2001.Roman was a kind man who made others happy. Whether it was a story from the ships and ports or a cute joke, he brought joy and smiles to the faces of everyone he met. Roman leaves us with deeply held fond memories of kind man full of life. Roman is survived by his brothers Marcelo and Jaime, son Carlos, daughter Denise and grandchildren, Danielle, Anthony, Kelly, Roxanne and Annie. Rest In Peace Flowers and memorials can be sent to Joseph A. Scarano Funeral Home, 6970 Stirling Road, Hollywood, Fl 33024. Donations can be sent to Catholic Hospice 14875 77th Avenue, Suite 100, Miami Lakes, FL 33014