Thomas Romeo Papers, Rhode Island Department of Mental Health (MsG. 246)

Biographical Note

A graduate of Cranston High School in 1961, Thomas D. Romeo achieved distinction through a career devoted to human services. He earned the Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Connecticut State College in 1965 and the Master of Education degree in Rehabilitation Administration from Northeastern University in 1969. He participated in the Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at the Kennedy School of Government and in the Public Sector Management Seminars at the University of Rhode Island.

He was a staff physical therapist at Fordham Hospital in the Bronx and in the Waterbury Area Rehabilitation Center in Connecticut. He also served as an assistant director and, later, as an associate director in the Division of Rehabilitative Services for the Rhode Island Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals.

Romeo was appointed director of the Rhode Island State Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals in 1981, a cabinet level position with full responsibility for operations and management of the single State Authority for Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Drug Abuse and Public Hospital Services.

He was instrumental in developing a voluntary relationship between the State of Rhode Island and Asa Messer School, with its diverse student population that includes children from Southeast Asia and Spanish communities. He was also a volunteer for the Educational Advocate Program through the Department of Education, counseling disadvantaged youth and developing a sound educational program as well as positive social experiences.