Roman Antonio Delgado, 17, lived with a brightness that felt larger than the years he was given. Born on May 9, 2008, to Annlouise Delgado and Jose Antonio Delgado Jr., Roman entered the world with a wide smile and the warmest heart. He was the second son born into his family of three siblings, and from the very beginning, he carried a spark that could light up any room.

As a little boy, Roman could draw a perfect Charlie Brown. He lined dinosaurs carefully across the driveway, captured frogs with gentle curiosity, and practiced Michael Jackson dance moves with fearless enthusiasm. His voice had a way of commanding attention, not out of volume, but out of depth. His mind was filled with knowledge and the most fascinating details. You could listen to him for hours and walk away knowing something new.

At six years old, among his goals were becoming a paleontologist, traveling to Hawaii and India, petting a lizard, seeing Santa, and being elected student president. Roman dreamed big. And he lived that way too.

He shared adventurous days with his brother Gabriel, hiking in nature and exploring the world together. He introduced his little sister Olivia to new music and movies. He cherished long drives with his father. Loved his stepmother's cooking and his mom's blue berry muffins. Roman moved through the world with curiosity and courage. Always willing to share his knowledge and interests with anyone.

As he grew, Roman’s creativity expanded. A proud member of the International Thespian Society, he performed in choir, eleven theater and musical productions across elementary, high school, and public theater. He made the theater, his second family. Under stage lights, he shone with confidence and heart. Offstage, he made people feel seen and valued. He was an audiophile whose playlists ranged from timeless classics, to bands like Alice in Chains and Stone Temple Pilots. He loved cinema and comedy, poetry and philosophy, religion and fashion. From Doc Martens and Dickies to thoughtful self-expression, Roman embraced identity as art.

He found rhythm in everything, even turning spoons into instruments, entertaining friends and family with music and laughter. He competed in CYO cross country and explored martial arts, always seeking both challenge and connection.

Roman loved people deeply. He could make someone smile with a glance or a perfectly timed joke. He rarely passed up a chance to help a friend, family member, or stranger.

Above all, Roman was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend. He is survived by his mother, Annlouise; his father, Jose; his brother, Gabriel; stepmother, Donna, sister, Olivia, his grandparents; and extended family and countless friends who will forever carry his memory with gratitude for the light he brought into their lives.

His family invites all who knew Roman to keep his spirit alive by sharing memories, stories, laughter, and love, the very things he offered so freely. His light remains in every life he touched, and he will always live on in our hearts.