Peoria has bid farewell to a local legend, Ciro Romano, a tailor who spent years crafting the looks of some of the entertainment industry's most shining figures, including the King of Rock 'n' Roll himself, Elvis Presley. Romano, who passed away at the age of 93, left more than a sartorial legacy; he imparted a lineage of love and tenacity to his family and those around him, as reported by ABC15.
His journey from abject poverty in World War II-ravaged Italy to the fashion icon status in America is a true testament to the American dream. After immigrating to the United States at the age of 20, Romano's knack for design saw him tailoring outfits for not just Elvis, but other celebrities like Muhammad Ali and the Osmonds. In a fascinating recount of his experiences, Romano's son, Dominic, told ABC15, "I got to meet Muhammad Ali when he was known as, 'The Champ' because my dad did a suit for him, which I'll always remember."
Romano's story was also featured by iHeartRadio, highlighting his tenure with Elvis, which began with the 1968 comeback tour. Despite the rapid and pressurized nature of the work, Romano thrived, producing some of Elvis's most iconic jumpsuits with the team he oversaw—a process that could be expedited to an impressive three-day turnaround when the occasion called. Elvis reportedly showed his gratitude generously, instances of $500 tips being the norm during a period when such a sum was no small token of appreciation.
As his later years approached, Romano took residence at Orchard Pointe at Terrazza, an assisted living facility in Peoria, where the tales of his 'past life' often amazed fellow residents. Until his last days, Romano remained a figure of inspiration and proof that determination can pave the a way to success, regardless of one's origins. As Dominic emphasized in his conversation with ABC15, his father's most valuable teachings were not of stitches and fabric, but of patience and the power of the present moment. "And to take in every moment. Because those moments are fleeting. And never forget to say I love you," Dominic recalled.
