WOMEN’S PRO BOWLING AND BOWLING MUSEUM ADVOCATE JOAN ROMEO DIES

Just days after being inducted into the Professional Women’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame for meritorious service, Joan Romeo passed away. She was 89.

Romeo had been in failing health since suffering a stroke, but was able to record an acceptance speech that was shown at the induction ceremony in suburban Chicago.

Long a vocal advocate for the women pros, her fundraising efforts helped create an exhibit recognizing professional women’s bowling at the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, part of the International Bowling Campus in Arlington, Texas. She also helped create the annual Xtravaganza fundraiser for the Museum.

Romeo is the mother of USBC and PWBA Hall of Famer Robin Romeo and Tori Romeo, who also competed on the pro tour. With Joan’s induction into the PWBA Hall of Fame, Joan and Robin joined Doris Coburn and Cindy Coburn-Carroll as the only mother-and-daughter duos to be inducted into both halls.