Robert Thomas Romanelli, Msgt (Ret). 65, of Abilene passed away on March 7, 2026.

On Monday, March 16, 2026, visitation will be 5:00pm - 7:00pm. Rosary will be at 6:00pm at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd., Abilene.

Mass will be held 10:00am Tuesday, March 17, 2026, with Rev. Nilo Nalugon & Rev. Msgr. Fredrick Nawarskas at Holy Family Catholic Church, officiating. Committal with Air Force Military Honors will follow at the Veteran's Cemetery at 1:00pm

Robert T. Romanelli was born in Chicago, Illinois to Yolanda and Thomas Romanelli on February 24, 1961. He went to school in Del Rio, Texas. He graduated from Del Rio High School. Robert went onto graduate from Texas A & I University in Kingsville, Texas, receiving his BA in Elementary Education. He received his AAS in Criminal Justice and Aerospace Historian from the Community College of the Air Force.

He married his wife, Lisa on August 25, 2007 (civil) and again on August 25, 2008 (sacramental) in Abilene, Texas.

He served proudly in the Texas National Guard 1986.

Robert was a veteran of the 1st Gulf War, Desert Storm. Serving in the United States Air Force from 1986 and retiring in 2008. He received many honors throughout his career achieving the Meritorious Service Medal for Meritorious Service 1999 to 2008.

He worked as a civilian police officer at Dyess AFB from 2008 until his retirement in 2019.

He was a member of the VFW Post 5683 Merkel, Texas, American Legion Post 61 Abilene, Texas, and DAV Chapter 36 of Taylor County Texas.

He was a Volunteer Prison Chaplain from Holy Family teaching RCIA (OCIA). He taught religious education at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Dyess AFB and at Holy Family Catholic Church. He had been the Holy Family Lector coordinator where he was able to share his love of his Catholic faith and his love of the Lord's words.

Robert was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 18101 and was recently made an Honorary 4th Degree Knight.

He had been very involved with West Texans for Life. Their work to save the unborn was an important cause close to his heart.

Robert was proceeded in death by his father, Thomas and mother, Yolanda Romanelli.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa. His children, Ramon Almazan (Jacob), Yolanda (Bryan), Bobby, Sandra Worth, and Chad Worth (Jennifer). Sister, Sandra Wenzel (Dennis) and brother, Michael (Michaela). His many grandchildren whom he loved with all his heart. He also leaves behind his Uncle Guillermo Ortiz, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family of Robert want to extend their appreciation to his MD Anderson Oncologists, his Oncologists of Texas Oncology, and the staff of Enhabit Home Health and Hospice. Just as importantly they want to express their appreciation for the prayers and support of his many friends and fellow parishioners of Holy Family Catholic Church.