Alberto Romolo Comini, 76, died unexpectedly Sept. 12, 2017, surrounded by his wife and best friend, Kathleen Giuffra Comini, and by his three children.
Mr. Comini was born in 1940 in Imperia, Italy, the oldest of three children of Gesualdo and Iris Comini, and lived the years of his youth in Rome. In 1960, he boarded a boat to New York City to start his life as an American, first in Arlington, Massachusetts, then in New York City, and finally in Montclair, where he and his wife of 55 years have resided ever since.
In 1964, Mr. Comini founded OMNIA Industries, Inc., an architectural hardware manufacturer which, due to the attention and commitment of its owner, became a top brand in the door hardware industry. Its expansion required a move in 1985 from Montclair to OMNIA’s headquarters in Cedar Grove. It remains one of the only family owned and operated manufacturers in the industry.
Mr. Comini was a longstanding member of the Italy America Chamber of Commerce in New York City, serving as a board member and president for multiple terms. He dedicated his time, efforts and experience in promoting Italian made products in the United States, believing that both countries benefit from business partnerships. His love of soccer, especially for his hometown team, A.S. Roma, compelled him, with his brother Piero, to organize Montclair’s first youth soccer team, the Montclair Stars, which today is recognized as Montclair United. Mr. Comini also served as president of the New School for the Arts in Montclair.
His passions included gardening, tennis, chess, opera, to name a few. The beach house in Montauk is where the Comini family has gathered during the summers for more than 30 years.
In addition to his wife Kathleen, Mr. Comini is survived by his three children and their spouses: Denyse and Martin Becker, Jennifer and John Caldarella, Alexander and Stacey Comini; and seven grandchildren: Emily and Andrew Becker; Nicholas and Francesca Caldarella; Matthew, Adria and Justin Comini. He also leaves behind his sister Paola and brother Piero Comini, and their families, as well as his cousin, Loretta Summers and her family.
A mass of Christian burial will be offered at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 20, at The Church of the Immaculate Conception-St Teresa’s of Calcutta Parish in Montclair, followed by the burial at Immaculate Conception Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Human Needs Food Pantry, 9 Label St. Montclair, NJ 07042, and Toni’s Kitchen, 73 S. Fullerton Ave. Montclair, NJ 07042. For online condolences visit moriartyfh.com.