PAT ROMEO (facing camera), dressed in her Colonial-era costume, enjoyed teaching the town’s schoolchildren about Colonial life during tours she gave of the 1720 Rev. Daniel Putnam House for more than 40 years. (Courtesy Photo)

 

 


By MAUREEN DOHERTY

NORTH READING — The community is invited to join with the family and friends of the late Frank and Patricia Romeo this Sunday, July 28, from 2-4 p.m. at the Rev. Daniel Putnam House, 27 Bow St.

To honor their combined 75 years of service to the preservation of the Putnam House and other historical buildings and artifacts on the grounds that chronicle the origins of the town, a commemorative plaque will be unveiled.

The event will also include a four-minute narration in Pat’s own voice on the town’s origins taken from a 2012 video documentary by NORCAM of one of the countless house tours she gave to local schoolchildren.

Pat, who died last September at age 87, was involved in the Historical and Antiquarian Society for 52 years, serving as a past President, House Director and Board Member. She also served on the town’s Historic District Commission and was an elected member of the North Reading Community Planning Commission for many years.

Frank, who passed 22 years ago, was actively involved with the North Reading Minit & Militia and its many restoration and construction projects on the grounds.

The couple’s children and grandchildren wish to use this opportunity to raise funds for the continued preservation efforts of the Historical Society and as a call to action on the need for new members to join the Society to ensure that its preservation efforts continue for the benefit of generations to come.

Their daughter, Christine Romeo, said her mother would often “talk about community involvement and the gold mine that the town is sitting on which is this beautiful historic property.” Unfortunately, many people in town are unaware of its existence and with the members getting older there are not enough of them available to keep the grounds and buildings open even once a month, she said.

“It was her dream to get more community engagement and making it a center for social engagement and for preservation of the town and education for the kids,” Christine said.

A special guest!

Abbey Romeo is one of Pat and Frank’s many grandchildren. Although she grew up in California, she spent her summers in North Reading, and she is also well known as a star on the Netflix show, “Love on the Spectrum. Abbey will sing at the opening of the dedication ceremony. Additionally, to help raise funds for the Historical Society in honor of her grandmother, Abbey will also be available from about 3:30 to 4 p.m. to take selfies with her fans that wish to give a donation to the Society, which is a nonprofit organization.

Refreshments will be served. To RSVP go to @ichristine.romeo@gmail.com or stop by on July 28 to remember Pat and Frank Romeo.