Wladyslaw (Walter) Matthew Romanowski

WINSLOW – Wladyslaw (Walter) Matthew Romanowski passed away at his home on May 27, 2025.

He was born in New Britain, Conn., on Jan. 7, 1933, the only child of Wladyslaw and Janina (Balazy) Romanowski. He attended grammar and high schools in New Britain, Conn., and enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1956, serving for three years during the Korean Conflict on a Coast Guard weather ship above the Arctic Circle and several lighthouses on the New England coast.

After his discharge from the Coast Guard, he attended the Connecticut State Police Academy and served as a Connecticut State Police Officer for 33 years, retiring in 1989. During his career, he served on the security details of two Connecticut governors, which he enjoyed as he got a front row seat to some of the inner workings of the politics of the day, sometimes meeting or observing state and national political figures behind the scenes on their best or worst days.

Walter moved to China Lake shortly after his retirement and enjoyed many years on the lake with friends and family, always with a beloved dog by his side as co-captain on his party barge. After enjoying the lake life for many years, he and his wife moved to a quieter condo life in Winslow. Walter enjoyed playing cards, reading, surfing the world wide web on his computer, and relaxing at home, enjoying the peace and quiet.

He was predeceased by two wives, Alice in 1979 and Joy in 1984, both succumbing to cancer at an early age.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Ellen Johnson Romanowski; his dog, Missy; his sister-in-law, Janice Sturtevant of Winslow, her fiancé Patrick, and her two children Karen and Derrick; as well as his brother-in-law, Richard Seamans of Florida. He is also survived by his friends Larry and Deborah Rancourt; and his special stepdaughter, Kris Bryant and her family in Connecticut.

Per his request, he will be cremated with no public funeral. There will be a private interment at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.