An Absecon veteran got a special goodbye shortly before he died Friday.
Tech Sgt. Sean Romero, 44, had been fighting for weeks, after falling ill with COVID in September.
Just a few days after being admitted to the hospital, he was on a ventilator with a collapsed lung, according to a GoFundMe set up for him. More setbacks would follow.
On Friday, he was wheeled to the rooftop of Penn Medicine on a gurney, where the former Air National Guard flight engineer prepared to watch his beloved jets zoom overhead.
“For most of his career he kept those jets in working order,” said friend Jason Rue, who captured the touching farewell on video.
His children’s mother was by his side, as he told her his wishes.
“He wants you to do the Jersey Devil,” his former wife, Brittany, told those gathered, as she illustrated holding up her pinkie and thumb. The group cheered as the two F-16s flew past.
Romero beamed as he watched. Then, it was time to go back inside.
“It’s cold,” he told Brittany.A short time later, he was gone.
The flight was a local area orientation, according to the New Jersey National Guard public affairs.
A pilot new to the 119th Fighter Squadron at Egg Harbor Township was accomplishing key training tasks, BreakingAC was told. As part of the local area orientation, the lieutenant pilot was required to navigate local air space, including the Warren Grove Range and a nearby airport. In this case, Philadelphia International Airport. Family and some connected with the 177th Fighter Wing made sure Romero was on the roof in time.”
Members of the 177th Fighter Wing were pleased to know that Sergeant Romero was able to see the jets one last time,” public affairs told BreakingAC. “But we’re deeply saddened by the loss of a team member.”
Two GoFundMe pages have been set up to help his children and continue his legacy.
