Ruthe Marlene Romani, born July 1, 1944, passed away peacefully in Indiana, Pennsylvania on February 15, 2026, at the age of 81. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Marlene was a trailblazing entrepreneur whose groundbreaking invention revolutionized the world of professional dog grooming.
While raising her two children, Doug Romani and Christine Romani-Ruby, Marlene built a career as a dedicated dog groomer. Her passion for the craft led her to invent the Clipper Vac, a revolutionary vacuum system that transformed grooming practices by making them safer, cleaner, and more efficient. She founded MDC Romani, Inc., to manufacture the Clipper Vac and established a training school to teach groomers worldwide how to use it effectively. Marlene traveled extensively, sharing her innovation at industry events across the globe. Today, Clipper Vacs are used in grooming salons internationally, forever changing the standards of the profession.
An ardent lover of dogs—particularly standard poodles—Marlene shared her home with more than thirty beloved companions over the years. Even in her later life, she volunteered at the Indiana County Animal Shelter, grooming dogs to help them find loving forever homes.
She is survived by her son, Doug Romani, and his wife, Lisa; her daughter, Christine Romani-Ruby, and her husband, Craig; grandchildren Jessica Grose (and husband Jake), Tracy Marsh (and husband Josh), Adam Romani, Cassandra Ruby-Nemec (and husband Rob), and Chloe Ruby-Pollard (and husband Connor); great-grandchildren Maeve, Monroe, Memphis, Connor, Casey, Joel, and Josh; brother Marty Bonacci; and sisters Bonnie Kotula, Robyn Vrobel, and Jill Cielo.
Marlene was the heart of our family, radiating joy, love, and unwavering support. She taught us that with hard work, passion, and the strength of family, anything is possible.
Services will be private for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Marlene’s memory to the Indiana County Animal Shelter or a local pet adoption charity of your choice, honoring her lifelong devotion to animals.
Online condolences may be made by visiting: www.rbfh.net .
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