In memory of Johnny
I met Johnny and his family about 4 years ago at the Make A Wish Jam in Texas. It’s an old story but I’m an old guy and tell the same stories over and over again - sorry.
To see a child skating and going for it like he didn’t have a care in the world when in fact he had recently been diagnosed with a life threatening illness just touched me. Even now I can’t find words to describe how truly amazing it was. At the time my son was about 6 and Johnny just reminded me of my boy so much and I found myself selfishly thinking ‘what if that was my kid’ and I just couldn’t imagine ‘what if’. Speaking with his parents that day at the park - they were incredible. Strong, supportive, funny and caring people. The Romanos became part of our family. Not only of REAL’s family but of skateboarding’s collective family. Johnny came out and stayed with us. My son Jack stayed with them ( for his first real sleep over faraway from his home - but I knew it would be ok because the Romanos are that good). Skateboarding and skateboarders world wide were affected by Johnny’s story but also for his love and passion for skateboarding.
In a testament to how positive skateboarding truly is, skateboarders worldwide came together and showed Johnny and his family love and how much we all care for one of our own.
It makes me proud to say I am a skateboarder.
It makes me feel happy and lucky to have gotten to know Johnny and his family and it is with tears and a broken heart that I have to say good by to him.
He may be gone but he will never be forgotten.
Johnny Romano will truly Roll Forever - not only in my heart but in the heart of skateboarders and skateboarding.
Roll Forever Johnny.
jim thiebaud
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:44 pm
You will be missed by everyone Johnny. You are a hero for the pain you endured and strength you showed throughout it all. keep skating on the other side. I will dedicate my skateboarding this week to you. You have made an impact on everyone in the skateboarding community. May you RIP in peace.
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:50 pm
The good always die young my friend. Dont ever forget people make the most of what we have. Live every day to the fullest for lil Johnny!
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:50 pm
RIP johnny, Skate in heaven!
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
RIP Johnny..
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:55 pm
RIP Johnny…like carlos, i’ll dedicate the rest of my time skating to you and the lives of those others who have passed on.
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:56 pm
RIP Johnny.
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I hope that everyone who skates realizes how to truly privileged they are to be able to go out and skate. Whatever nonsense “problems” we may have, remember that it can always be worse. So, I will be skating for me, for Johnny, and for any other lifers out there who can’t. We love you Johnny.
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:57 pm
this is sad, rip in peace
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:58 pm
You will be very missed by everyone at Tum Yeto. You will be forever be in our memories. Keep skating and we will continue to skate for you.
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
For little Johnny Romano, he was an example of strength and will power, and a fighter, and stood up this disease with a lot more guts that any adult would’ve had. It’s for Johnny that im going to light up a candle and pray tonight, cuz pretty sure he has become an angel today looking for us from above.
Reast in Peace little buddy cuz down here we will allways remeber you and the impact you had in all of skateboarders lifes.
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Condolences to the Romano family. RIP.
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:02 pm
RIP Johnny
You are such a big inspiration to live life to the fullest.
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Rest In Peace - Roll Forever - Never Forget !!!!!
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:18 pm
you were a great inspiration to all skaters
role forever
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:18 pm
i couldnt even imagine what it be like to endure what he had gone through.
and again you realise how short life is and what you take for granted.
my prayers and deepest sympathy to the family.
im very sorry for your loss.
J/C
ottawa/ontario/canada
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:19 pm
rip johnny …keep sk8en where ever u are !!!!
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:20 pm
とても残念です。
REALSKATEBOARDのプロライダーとして来日するのを楽しみにしていました。
安らかにお眠りください。
from japan
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Rip Johnny Remember skaters are and will always be the strongest people. best wishes to your family and shred forever
P.S. I will shred for you,Van,Harold,Shane, and everyone else
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:25 pm
rest in peace johnny you will never be forgotten
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:30 pm
RIP Johnny.
His attitude and desire for life in face of such adversity is an inspiration that cannot be ignored.