ROMEO N. LEMIEUX - NEWPORT - Romeo N. Lemieux was called home to God on July 12, 2013, after a long and courageous battle with his illness, while at home with his family. Romeo was born in 1939, in Newport. He and his twin brother, Bernard Jr., were the first of eleven children born to the late Bernard and Theresa Lemieux. Romeo was a graduate of Newport High School in 1958, and Champlain College in 1961 where he earned his degree in accounting. He also served his country as a member of the Vermont National Guard. On May 27, 1963, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Fedele and they had three children, Dana, Deanna, and the late Craig. His career began with the Brit store in Concord, N.H.; he eventually moved his family back to Newport and became manager and overseer of the organization which employed him in his youth: the John Police Store - commonly known to locals as "Grapefruit University." Romeo spent the remainder of his career as a businessman with the former Fedele's grocery store, and became an iconic member of both the store and the community. He was a member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church and served as a longtime member of the Zoning Board. Romeo enjoyed the simple necessities of life, and his best days were spent working hard, sharing conversation with friends over a cup of coffee, and returning home to his wife, affectionately called "ma." He will be best remembered for his easygoing nature, kind heart and wonderful stories. He had an inquisitive nature and a genuine interest in others, and his sincere interest and ability to immediately put others at ease earned him a multitude of friendships, and a great deal of respect from those who had the pleasure to know him. His place at the table will be greatly missed by all. Romeo is survived by his wife, Liz, of 50 years; son, Dana and his wife, Maureen, of Harvard, Mass.; daughter, Deanna Jannace and her husband, Jim, of Rangely, Maine; grandchildren, Brendan and Nicole Lemieux, and Daren and Olivia Jannace; and siblings, Bernard and wife, Lilianne, of Essex Junction, Lorraine Elmore, of Newport, Jeanne Whalen and husband, Bill, of Illinois, John and wife, Dottie, of Severna Park, Md., Joseph and wife, Margaret, of Georgia, Andrea Cate and husband, Richard, of Burlington, Antoinette Ingalls and husband, Bill, of Irasburg, and Luke of California. He was also a treasured uncle to 38 nieces and nephews. Romeo was preceded in death by his brother, Philip; sister, Christine; and infant son, Craig. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the many friends, neighbors, and caregivers who provided a constant source of help, comfort and prayers. Calling hours will be held at the Curtis-BritchConverse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Rd., on Thursday, July 18, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass celebrating Romeo's life will be held at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church on Friday, July 19, 2013, at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, locally family owned and operated. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Romeo's lasting memory to Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Office of Gift Recording, One Medical Center Dr., Hinman Box 7070, Lebanon, NH 03756-0001.