“Peter created the roots for SWBR’s expertise in the design of multi-family housing projects, which remains a strength of the firm today.”
It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of former SWBR principal, architect, and friend Peter Romeo, AIA. Peter was one of SWBR’s earliest employees, having joined in 1972 and being promoted to principal in 1979. He retired from the firm in 1996.
Peter graduated from Cornell University’s architectural program in 1956. While at Cornell, he also participated in the ROTC program, serving as commanding officer for U.S. Army Ordinance Technical Intelligence Group at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD from 1956-1958.
Peter married his wife Marietta in 1956, and they moved to Rochester in 1958. He began his architectural career with the firm Bohacket and Flynn. While at Bohacket and Flynn, Peter met Tom Wurzer, and a lifelong friendship began. In 1969, Tom became a founding member of what would become SWBR, originally Jenkins-Wurzer-Starks. Peter joined the firm three years after it opened.
An expert in the design of affordable housing communities, Peter lead several transformative projects, including Bristol Harbor Villages, Olean-Kennedy Revitalization, and St. Andrews Apartments, an affordable and accessible housing community for families and individuals with disabilities. Some of his other notable projects include Providence Housing’s Union Meadows, Dunn Tower, Wegman-Napier Building at Aquinas Institute, Casa Italiana at Nazareth University, and Monroe Muffler Brake Centers in ten states. Peter retired from SWBR in 1996 but continued in private practice for another 10 years.
“Peter will be remembered for his wit, wisdom, smile and upbeat whistling. First and foremost, he was a relationship builder who naturally connected with people. Peter was loved by so many,” said President Tom Gears. “He was a driven master architect, with an extraordinary aptitude in many related disciplines. We owe a depth of gratitude for all that we learned under his mentorship. He liked to kid us, catch us off guard with a joke, but always encourage us to grow in our profession.”
In addition to his successful architectural career, Peter was deeply involved in community service. He served on the Aquinas Institute Board of Trustees (1985-1994), as President of the Italian American Community Center (2005-2006), and found his way onto countless other advisory boards during his many years as a pillar of the Rochester community. A graduate of Aquinas Institute of Rochester, he was elected to their Hall of Fame in 2017.
Calling hours will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, April 25th at Falvo Funeral Home (1295 Fairport Nine Mile Rd, Webster, NY). Read Peter’s full obituary here: https://bit.ly/4ijQgeZ
For those who would like to donate in Peter’s memory, please consider donating to the Blessed Sacrament Church Supper Program, Eastern Service Workers Association, or the Peter P. ’51 and Marietta I. Romeo Endowed Scholarship for the Aquinas Institute via jpolston@aquinasinstitute.com.