As the news of the death of local entrepreneur and philanthropist F. Eugene Romano spread, so did the tributes to a man whose life and career meant so much to Utica and the Mohawk Valley.

Throughout his life, Romano, who died on Saturday at age 94, left a lasting legacy to the region’s economic life and development — particularly through his leadership of such companies as the Pacemaker Steel and Piping Company, The Fountainhead Group and the Special Metals Corporation, among others.

Romano was a longtime champion of the local workforce, which he often touted as among the finest in the nation and world.

Likewise, he was a willing and generous mentor to generations of future businessmen and women, many of whom worked their way up through the ranks of his various business enterprises.

Romano was also a champion for higher education — and his support of institutions such as Hamilton College and Utica University are well known.

Romano donated significant sums of money to Hamilton College and Utica University, giving an endowment of $1 million to Hamilton College in the form of scholarships and becoming only one of two people who have donated over $5 million to Utica University.

Romano took great pride not in the donations but in the success of the students for whom he helped make a high quality college education affordable.

Additionally, he took great pride in the institutions themselves and the role they play not just in the students they helped educate but in their importance in the fabric of the region.

Romano was also a major benefactor to local charities and organizations — although his contributions of time and money were made quietly without a thought of recognition.

He understood his leadership role in both in business and in the greater community and genuinely felt it his privilege to be of service to organizations and institutions too large to enumerate.

In a statement released by Pacemaker Steel and Piping Company, now run by his daughter Linda Romano, company officials said “Mr. Romano loved Utica and the Mohawk Valley and worked diligently to stimulate the economy and professional atmosphere in our area.”

“Consistent with his belief that education is the key to any strong community, he established numerous scholarships at local institutions to provide financial support for students who demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to this area that he loved,” the statement continued.

In 2015, Romano became the subject
of a book titled “F. Eugene Romano: Doing it His Way,” by Malio J. Cardarelli, which focused on Romano’s upbringing and his life in Utica — which the entrepreneur hailed as being instrumental in his
development.

“Mr. Romano is a man of many great achievements in life, but the one that strikes me the most is his dedication to giving back to the community that he called home,” said Alicia Fernandez Dicks, president/CEO of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, one of the numerous local organizations that Romano financially contributed to.

“He is a shining example for all and we’re very grateful that the two funds he established with us will continue to live out his legacy and generosity, supporting students and the work of local nonprofits for many years to come,” said Dicks.

We are both grateful for the legacy that F. Eugene Romano has left us — and hopeful that his vision of the Utica and region, and the great potential they embody, will be carried on by the generations of new leaders he helped nurture and inspire.