OBITUARIES

Jose Romero 80, Calexico

Jose “Joe” Leon Romero, 80, died Thursday, June 23, 2017 at the Sharp HospiceCare Lakeview Home in La Mesa, California following a lengthy illness.

He leaves his wife of 53 years, Ana Maria Romero de Perez; his sons, Joseph John Romero (Carmen), Michael Anthony Romero (Catrina), and his daughter, Terry Ann Garcia (Ernest); his eleven grandchildren, a great granddaughter; brothers, sisters and many family members and close friends.

Mr. Romero is preceded in death by his son, James Albert Romero, parents, Jose and Guadalupe Romero, brothers, Raymond Martinez, Elias Martinez, Gabriel Martinez, Raul Martinez, sisters, Socorro Martinez Shane and Maria Isabel Romero.

Born and raised in Calexico, the son of Jose and Guadalupe (Leon) Romero, was a lifelong resident of the Imperial Valley. In his early years, Mr. Romero worked seasonal labor jobs to help support his family. After graduating from Calexico High School in 1955 he joined the U.S. Army, where he was a Sergeant, and served in the U.S. Army National Guard Reserve in Calexico, CA.

After becoming a member of the U.S. Army National Guard Reserve, Mr. Romero became a Fireman with the Calexico Fire Department. After his service with the Fire Department Mr. Romero accepted a position with the Imperial Irrigation District where he worked for several years until his retirement. Mr. Romero had a passion for work and during his retirement became an insurance appraiser and worked for several different companies until he fell ill.

Mr. Romero enjoyed following professional baseball, basketball and football. Mr. Romero was a dedicated Dodger fan, Laker fan and converted to a Raider fan when his son James Albert Romero passed away in 1997.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 30, 2017 at Hems Brothers Mortuary, in El Centro, CA. from 6 to 9 p.m. Mass will be the following morning, Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Calexico, CA. at 8 a.m. Burial will be at Mountain View Cemetery in Calexico, CA. immediately following mass.