In Memory of Dionisio “Wello” Roman

Obituary

Dionisio “Wello” Roman, 85, of Utica, New York, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on October 10, 1940, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Dionisio was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He shared nearly 67 years of marriage with the love of his life, Gladys Raquel (Santos) Roman.

In 1973, after years of commuting between Puerto Rico and the US mainland working, Dionisio brought his family to New York and built a life in Utica that would become the center of generations of family memories. His home was always open, and family regularly gathered around his table to share coffee, rice and beans, stories, laughter, and time together.

A hardworking man who took pride in creating and building, he built his family’s first home in Ponce with his own hands and continued throughout his life to remodel, repair, and improve every home he lived in. No project was too big, and he always seemed to have the right tool for the job. Through many careers and projects over the years, he took pride in providing for his family and creating a home filled with love and tradition.

Dionisio was known for his mischievous grin, quick wit, and signature sense of humor. He loved driving, playing his favorite lottery numbers, listening to music loud enough for everyone nearby to hear, and never being too far from a toolbox. He enjoyed raising roosters and chickens, sharing stories, and finding ways to make those around him smile.

Dionisio is survived by his beloved wife, Gladys Raquel Roman; his children Luisa Colón (Mario Colón), Dionisio Roman Jr. (Lisa Roman), Alexander Roman, Reinaldo Roman (Rebecca Roman), Ana “Nani” Figueroa, Jeannette Santiago, and Deane Roman.

He was the proud grandfather of Mario Andres Colón, Evan Colón, Melissa Colón, Maritza Crysler, Taurie Roman Pascucci, Nathan Roman, Garrett Roman, Shane Roman, Logan Roman, Danielle Roman, Joe Roman Jr., Jaylin Roman, Karina Roman, Jolie Roman, Michael Roman, Antonio Gonzalez, Elena Garcia, Cecilia Rodriguez, and Diego Gonzalez.

He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Thomas and Julian Crysler, Zachary and Alexander Welch, Wesley and Hayden Pascucci, Carlito and Shane Roman Jr., Dustin and Genevie Roman, Emille and Tahliah Hembry, Mia and Mason Roman, Rosalie and Noah Gonzalez, Mateo Gonzalez, and a couple more expected in 2026.

Dionisio was preceded in death by his beloved son, Joseph Roman; his brothers Ramon Roman, Antonio Roman, Jenaro Roman, Gregorio Roman, Cecilio Roman; sisters Carmin Roman, Lydia Roman,  and other loved ones who welcomed him home.

The family would like to thank all those who supported and cared for Dionisio during his final weeks, alongside his children and grandchildren, including his brother Jose Roman, his niece Maria “Tere” Roman and the many family members and friends who visited, called, prayed, and shared their love.

The funeral will be on Thursday, June 25 at 12:00 p.m. at Freidel Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford. Visitation for friends and loved ones will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. prior to the funeral.  Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his son, Joseph.

Dionisio will be remembered for his unwavering love of family, his strong work ethic, his generosity, his humor, and the countless memories he created with those fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives on through the generations of family he loved so deeply.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.