An 1870 edition of The Historical Magazine records that the shoal was named after Colonel Wolfgang William Romer, who sounded the waters of New York Bay in 1700 on order of the governor of New York. https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=655
The Light was heavily damaged during Hurricane Sandy. The non-profit that has taken over stewardship of the Light is working with FEMA and private donors to preserve this national landmark.