Obituary of ROMEO AGTARAP
Romy ("Monching" to family), age 63, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2020, due to complications from Covid-19 in New York City. He was born on March 14, 1957 in the Philippines to Patrocinio (+) and Gertrudes Agtarap, the seventh of 12 children. He was married to Joy Constantino for 32 years.
In 1984, Romy moved from the Philippines to New York City to work as a registered nurse in Peninsula Hospital Center, and nursing homes, among others. For the last 20 years, up until his semi-retirement in 2019, Romy was nurse coordinator at the Adult Emergency Department of New York-Presbyterian Columbia Medical Center.
Always driven by a strong work ethic to be of service to his fellowmen, Romy came out of retirement, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic in which New York City has become the epicenter. He reported back to work when the need for nurses became critical. In his desire to help others, he himself was infected. Romy was hospitalized on March 31, 2020, and succumbed to the fatal virus on April 24, 2020.
Romy was an incredible soul and human being who devoted his life to saving others. He radiated love, kindness, joy, and had a spirit full of enthusiasm that was hard to match. His smile, his compassion, and his generosity towards loved ones and strangers was what made him special. He was a devoted and dedicated husband, a respectful son, a generous brother, a thoughtful uncle, a loving godparent, and a loyal friend. All of them, he loved and touched deeply.
Romy died a hero and will always be remembered as one.
Romeo O. Agtarap, RN
Nurse Coordinator, Emergency Room at NY-Presbyterian Hospital
In Loving Memory
ROMEO AGTARAP
1957 - 2020
