With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Domenica Maria Romano. A month away from her 81st birthday, Maria passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, at Hamilton General Hospital, surrounded by her family.
Born in Roseto Valfortore, Italy on October 30th, 1944, Maria immigrated to Hamilton, Ontario with her family at the age of four. She grew up on Mary Street, where her Canadian story began. In her early twenties, she married Umberto Ottogalli, and together they raised three sons; Anthony (wife Helena), Claudio (wife Sabrina), and Roberto (wife Gordana). Their boys kept Maria endlessly busy with their antics, creating countless stories she loved to share and laugh about for years to come. Her greatest pride and joy was her family, especially her two beloved grandchildren: Ashley (fiancé Jacob), daughter of Anthony, and Christian, son of Claudio.
A gifted and passionate hairstylist, Maria was instantly recognizable by her ever-changing hair colour, most often her signature red. She proudly owned several salons, including Marie’s Unisex, where her creativity and warmth touched many lives.
Beyond her work, Maria’s spirit shone brightest in the way she lived: she loved to socialize, dance, and sing, and was always the life of the party, something she joyfully made sure everyone knew. Most of all, Maria will be remembered for the love, devotion, and vibrancy she brought to her family and to everyone blessed to know her. Her legacy of joy, resilience, and unforgettable stories will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
Maria was predeceased by her parents, Incoronata and Antonio Romano; her in-laws, Petero and Rosa Munari Ottogalli; her brother Michael Phillip “Mike” Romano; as well as sisters-in-law and cousins. She is survived by her sons, grandchildren, brother Nicola “Nick” Romano, many nieces and nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and countless friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Visitation will take place at FRISCOLANTI FUNERAL CHAPEL, 43 Barton Street East, Hamilton (Barton St. E & John St.), on Monday, September 29, from 4-8 p.m., with Vigil Prayers on Monday at 6p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of All Souls Roman Catholic Church, 21 Barton Street West, Hamilton, on Tuesday, September 30, at 10 a.m. In keeping with Maria’s wishes, cremation will take place. Inurnment will take place at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery, 600 Spring Gardens Road, Burlington, on Saturday, October 4, at 9:45 a.m. Each of these chosen locations reflects Maria’s deep ties to her family, faith, and community.
