Ask anyone who knew Jim Romanello what he was like, and they’ll tell you he was warm, friendly, gracious — a man of faith who was deeply committed to his family, his community, and had a laugh like no other.

Among roughly 40 friends, family members and colleagues of the former Monument councilman, several recalled his positive disposition, his love of good weather and his dedication to his town as they gathered March 27 to honor, remember and memorialize him.

As snow flurries descended on the crowd, the town of Monument officially dedicated a bench honoring Romanello’s life and his contributions to his community at the waterwise garden/Third Street Santa Fe trailhead at the southwest corner of Beacon Lite Road and Third Street.

Romanello, 60, died in April 2025 of injuries he sustained in a motorcycle crash.

A former financial adviser and small business owner, Romanello was first elected to the town council in 2018; at the time, it was still called the board of trustees before Monument became a home rule municipality in 2022.

“He truly was one who cared … and just wanted to make the community better,” recalled Terri Hayes, president and chief executive officer of the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corp. and Visitor Center.

Mayor Mitch LaKind, who ran against Romanello for the mayorship in Monument’s 2022 elections, recalled his colleague as also a close friend and confidante.

He and Romanello had an instant connection, bonding over topics like faith and politics — sometimes over a glass of bourbon, LaKind said.

“I’m going to miss most the camaraderie and going out to events and him always being a source of sunshine. He always tried to have a positive attitude when he was around people,” LaKind said. “… Six years I served with him, almost. We became close privately; he totally was like an older brother.”

Former town trustee John Howe, who served on the board from 2012-2016, before Romanello was elected, remembered Romanello as a friend and  dedicated father.

“He was a good, very upbeat friend who never had an unkind word to say. He really looked at the world in a beautiful way,” Howe said. “This memorial is extremely appropriate because he was on the board of trustees and was a town councilmember who served his community faithfully for years. He got along well with everyone.”