Camilo F. Romero

On April 5, 2020, the Gates of Heaven opened up as Camilo F Romero, 80, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away. He was born in Santa Fe, NM, on October 18, 1939, to Camilo and Estella Romero. Camilo enlisted in the US Navy, serving from 1957 to 1960, he served on the USS Rochester in the Pacific. Camilo was very proud of his military service, always wearing his Navy caps. On a bus ride from Santa Fe, NM to Jacksonville, Florida, Camilo met a young lady named Maria. They began writing to each other of which eventually led to marriage. Camilo and Maria were married on December 1, 1958, and were married for 60 years. They raised their three children, Camilo III, Mary Ann, and Robert. Camilo received several Degrees, an Associate of Arts Degree from Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell (4/28/1977), Associate of Arts Degree from New Mexico Military Institute (5/16/1981), and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of New York (9/15/1989). He received a Certificate from The Board of Social Work Examiners from the State of New Mexico as a licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker on 3/30/1990. Camilo worked in the field of Security for many years. He worked five years for the Roswell Fire Department. In 1976, Camilo started his career with the New Mexico Department of Corrections. With hard work and dedication, he was able to work his way up from Correctional Officer to Warden of the Roswell Correctional Center. After retiring from the Roswell Correctional Center, Camilo worked as the Executive Director of the Roswell Boys and Girls Club. After his time with the Boys and Girls Club, he spent his days with his wife enjoying his retirement. Camilo enjoyed going camping and hiking with his grandchildren. He was also able to enjoy some camping trips with his great-grandchildren. Camilo also enjoyed watching the sporting and band events of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Camilo is survived by his wife, Maria; daughter, Mary Ann and husband Jimmy Jimenez; son, Robert Romero and wife Dolores; grandchildren: Camilo Romero IV and spouse Maria, Angela and spouse John Garlinger, Mary Angel and spouse Jonathan Smith, Jimmy Jimenez and companion Allan Curtis, Ben Jimenez, Valerie Jimenez, Alma and spouse Danny Esparza, Robert Romero Jr, Gabriel Alvarado and spouse Kristen, Raul Alvarado and spouse Mary Katie and Joey Rodriguez; great-grandchildren: Esmeralda Romero, Juan Romero, Savanna Romero, Izabella Romero, Amelia Romero, Yasmin Smith, Ysabella Smith, Raul Smith, Pablin Jimenez, Marcus Esparza, Brianna Esparza, Danelle Esparza, Josephine Alvarado and Alexandra Alvarado; sister, Marie and spouse Leopoldo Rios; sisters-in-law: Lilia Salas and Erminda Garza; as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Preceding Camilo in death are his son, Camilo Romero III; daughter-in-law, Alice Romero; great-grandson, Marcus Phillip Romero Aguilar; parents, Camilo and Estella Romero; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Benigno and Petra Garza; sisters: Gracie Romero, Margie Montano Smith, Bernice Aragon, Dolores Martinez, Connie Manzanares; brother, Adelaido Romero; sister-in-law, Rafaela Garza; brothers-in-law: Joe Salas, Enrique Garza, Benigno Garza, Robert Garza, Juan Manzanares, Remijio Martinez, Jake Aragon; as well as his loving pet of seventeen years, Rusty. Those honored to serve as Pallbearers are Camilo Romero IV, Juan Romero, Jimmy Jimenez Jr, Ben Jimenez, Allan Curtis, Jonathan Smith, Robert Romero Jr., Gabriel Alvarado, Raul Alvarado, and Joey Rodriguez. Chosen as Honorary Pallbearers are Camilo’s grandchildren: Maria Romero, Angela Garlinger, John Garlinger, Mary Angel Smith, Valerie Jimenez, Alma Esparza, Danny Esparza, Kristen Alvarado, Mary Katie Alvarado; and his great-grandchildren: Esmeralda Romero, Savanna Romero, Izabella Romero, Amelia Romero, Yasmin Smith, Ysabella Smith, Raul Smith, Pablin Jimenez, Marcus Esparza, Brianna Esparza, Danelle Esparza, Josephine Alvarado, and Alexandra Alvarado. Special thanks to all his friends and staff at Fresenius Kidney Center, The Joy Center, and Dr. Pinon and his team. There will be a Viewing on Monday, April 13, 2020, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home, 2609 S Main Street. A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, 2:00 PM, at South Park Cemetery, 3101 S Main Street. Thank you, everyone, for the thoughts and prayers. God Bless all. Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with the Romero family at www.andersonbethany.com. Camilo’s tribute was written in his honor by his family.

Camilo F. Romero

October 18, 1939 - April 5, 2020