Walter O. Rom, PhD

Walter Rom was born in the former Yugoslavia to Ernst and Josefa Rom. His early life on the farm was disturbed by World War II and the family had to flee.

After the war, the family made their way to the US, sponsored by extended family that were already living in New Jersey. Walter went to college at Columbia University in New York City where he met Jean Rom, who was a student at Barnard. She told a story once that she was working an enrollment event with multiple stands and Walter went to multiple tables of information so that he could get to her table and talk to her again. So cute.

Walter and Jean married at her parent's house after college graduation and both went to graduate school at Cornell in Ithaca, NY. This is where Margaret was born. After earning his doctorate, the family moved for a job at the University of Illinois, where Allison was born. In 1976, Walter took a job at Cleveland State University and the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio.

Walter worked for CSU for the rest of his career, attaining tenure, teaching mostly evening classes and working collaboratively to publish papers with his peers. He was a mentor to several younger teachers, some who continue at Cleveland State, others who have moved on to other institutions. After retiring in 2013, he continued to work to publish papers with his cohort at CSU and until shortly before he died, he was going down to CSU weekly for meetings of former professors.

He and Jean were lifelong bridge players and were active in local bridge games as well as playing national tournaments. Walter continued to play and partner with other players after Jean passed away, helping newer players improve their bridge games. Walter and Jean also spent time traveling; a favorite destination was Las Vegas for relaxation and shows. Spending time with family was also very important to Walter, both for holidays and just during summer vacation with his grandchildren, Zachary, Noah and Benjamin Silberman and Audrey and Robin Ritley.

The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in his name to The Reserve Care Foundation, PO Box 72700, Cleveland, OH 44192.

Funeral Mass will be held, Friday, July 10th at 10am in The Church of St. Dominic, 19000 Van Aken Blvd., (at Norwood Road) Shaker Heights, OH.

FRIENDS MAY CALL AT BROWN-FORWARD, 17022 CHAGRIN BLVD., SHAKER HTS., OH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 8TH OR THURSDAY, JULY 9TH FROM 5-7PM.