Marion Romitti

Dr. Marion Anthony Romitti, 88, of Altoona, passed away Monday, April 18, 2022, at Ramsey Village in Des Moines.

Funeral services were held 10:30 AM Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at St. Malachy Catholic Church, 405 Gerald Street, Madrid, Iowa. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Monday, April 25, 2022 at St. Malachy. Burial arrangements are pending.

Marion was born October 23, 1933 in Madrid, Iowa, the son of Amerigo A. and Adalgisa M. (Medici) Romitti. He grew up in Madrid and graduated with the Madrid High School Class of 1951. Marion worked locally until being drafted into the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 and served as an “Atomic Veteran” during the Korean War. After an honorable discharge, he used the GI Bill to attend Drake University.

In 1959 Marion received his bachelor’s degree in education with emphasis in biology and later received his master's degree in guidance counseling both from Drake University. He worked at Firestone during college.

A skilled baseball player, Marion was a four-year Drake baseball letterman and named to the All-Missouri Valley Conference Baseball team. He was also named to the Drake University Baseball Team of the Century.

In 1961, he began a three year stint as a teacher-counselor at Twin Cedars, in Bussey, Iowa. In 1964, Romitti began nine years of employment at Centerville Community College, now Indian Hills Community College. He married Linda Heithoff on May 15, 1965 in Manning, Iowa.

He returned to his hometown of Madrid in 1973 to assume the role of Superintendent of Madrid Community Schools. He continued his education at Drake and received his doctorate in educational administration in 1975. He retired on June 30, 1998, after 25 years in that position.

Romitti provided decades of active service to his church, school and community. Some highlights included: Madrid Library Board, Parish Director for St. Malachy Catholic Church, Madrid Lions Club Past President, and member of the Vittoria Lodge.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Barry Romitti (Yvonne), son, Marty Romitti (Angil); brother John Romitti; eight grandchildren (Jacob, Lexi, Clayton (Becca), Lydia, Jeremy, Roman, Josh and Drew) and one great-granddaughter, Nora.

Marion was preceded in death by his mother, Adalgisa M. (Medici) Romitti (Dec 28, 1938) and father Amerigo A. Romitti (Oct 17, 1982).

Memorials may be given to Kindred Hospice or Madrid Community Schools.