B
arbara Jo Romano, a respected figure in the Cocoa Beach business community, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on January 11, 1936, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Barbara was one of three children to Willa Lee and Tom Linsbeck.
After graduating from Victory High School in 1954, Barbara considered a career in nursing but later met her husband Sam Romano on a blind date and married him in 1960. The couple raised four children together before relocating to Cocoa Beach in 1972, where they opened an Italian restaurant near Cape Canaveral.
Barbara went back to school to study real estate while working at the restaurant, earning her degree through hard work and dedication. She eventually became a successful real estate agent, opening her own office, 1st US Area Realty, which she sold to her son Steve in 2001. Barbara continued to mentor new agents, including her son, and was proud of their success.
A devoted family woman, Barbara loved spending time with her grandchildren and friends, often gathering at the beach or pool for laughter and good company. She was also an avid traveler, visiting Italy, Germany, Mexico, and other destinations around the world. Barbara's legacy lives on through her children, Steve, Cathy, Mark, Suzanne, and their grandchildren.
A memorial service was held in honor of Barbara Romano at the Cocoa Beach Country Club on April 12. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Make-a-Wish Georgia in Barbara's name at wish.org/georgia.
