Keith Romaine, Brookhaven Councilman, Dies at 36

Brookhaven Town Councilman Keith Romaine died unexpectedly Nov. 14 at age 36

The flags will fly at half-mast in Brookhaven after the tragic death of Brookhaven Town Councilman Keith Romaine. Romaine, 36, passed away at Winthrop University Hospital from complications caused by a viral infection.

Romaine, a Republican, won reelection last week. On Nov. 12, he was admitted to Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead after he had complained of chest pains and difficulty sleeping. He tested negative for H1N1. On Nov. 13, Romaine was taken to Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola. A virus developed and attacked his heart. He died at around 11:00 a.m. Saturday morning.

The sudden death stunned Brookhaven.

Romaine’s father Ed is a Suffolk Legislator who served as County Clerk under former County Executive Robert Gaffney and also ran as the GOP challenger to current County Exec Steve Levy.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and colleague,” says Suffolk GOP chair John Jay LaValle, a long time friend of Romaine. “The thoughts and prayers of the entire Republican family are with his father Ed and the entire Romaine family. Although he passed at such a young age, his tireless efforts on behalf of his community have left an indelible mark on so many lives. He will be missed but not forgotten.”