Rom W. Powell ’57

Rom W. Powell ’57 of Winter Park, Florida, passed peacefully on December 15, 2017. Rom arrived at Dartmouth from Northside High School in Atlanta. He majored in English with a minor in history, was a brother and treasurer of Delta Tau Delta, and was a member of the Interfraternity Treasurer’s Council. After graduation he served in the Marine Corps as a lieutenant infantry platoon commander. He received his J.D. from Stetson University Law School and was admitted to the Florida bar in 1963. He began working as assistant Orange County solicitor, then worked for and became a partner with the local law firm of Hunter, Pattillo & Powell. In 1968 he was appointed Orange County solicitor. He was reelected in 1970, and later merged his office with the state attorney’s, where he prosecuted many cases. In 1978 Rom was elected circuit judge in Osceola County. While on the bench, he was highly respected. He presided over the first case in the country to use DNA evidence. He served in this capacity until retirement in 1996, when he continued serving as senior judge, special magistrate, and arbitrator. He taught courses at Rollins College and the University of Central Florida. Rom was a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Explorer. An avid outdoorsman, his hobbies were fishing, hunting, canoeing, camping, and backpacking. In leaving, he said to all of us, “Semper Fi. And may peace be among people and nations and may justice always prevail.” Rom is survived by his son, Scott. Barbara, Rom’s wife of 57 years, predeceased him.