Fr. Russell Lawrence Romano

Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Died: 2/21/2020
Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Assigned to parishes in Lansing, Berwyn, Chicago, and Brookfield IL, and to Quigley Prep Seminary South in Chicago. Newly identified as an abuser in the Chicago Archdiocesan Report of 3/20/2006, which shows allegations against Romano at each assignment. His ministry was restricted in 1986 and he resigned from the priesthood in 10/1991. In 5/2009 Romano was laicized. At least one claim against Romano was included in a 7/2009 settlement involving four priests and six claims. In 2013, Romano was working as a licensed counselor in Illinois for a healthcare provider; the health care provider began an investigation. By 6/2013 Romano had retired. His archdiocesan personnel file was released in 1/2014. He died in 2/2020. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report, which notes 17 “reported survivors.” Named in 9/2026 as included in a $5.4M settlement with nine people alleging sexual abuse as children, ages 6-14, by eight priests.

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