Rosendo Romero

Rosendo Romero "Carretas"
February 12, 1928 - September 26, 2017
Rosendo Romero, proud lifelong resident of Albuquerque, passed away at home in the South Valley.
To the end, Ross faced the world and all around him with the same positive, uncomplaining nature that endeared him to each and every person he met in his almost 90 years among us.

Ross was born in Madrid, NM, into a coal-mining family who made their way to Albuquerque when the Stock Market Crash of 1929 caused the coal company to close. The Romero Family settled in the Barelas neighborhood, where they became stalwart and well-known residents, and where Rosendo went by the nickname
"Carretas." Ross was eager to join the military during WWII, but was too young to sign up. Joining the U.S. Army as soon as possible, he served a 2-year hitch, gathering experiences and perspective that helped him become the self-made scholar and outstanding conversationalist for which he was well known. His Army training as a surveyor and photographer led to postings in Virginia, Hawaii and the South Pacific, helping post-war survey missions in the jungle islands near Papau New Guinea. Returning to Albuquerque, Ross worked with the U.S. Postal Service. During his rounds as a letter carrier in the San Jose neighborhood, he met Sophie Padilla. They married in 1954, and set up house in the South Valley, establishing a much-admired home environment for their four sons, and extended family and friends.
Ross joined the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District, and served for thirty years in a variety of roles: photographer, supervisory printer, EEO Officer, and as an informal community services troubleshooter. He made many lifelong friends with a wide variety of immediate co-workers, professional engineers and uniformed Army Corps leaders and managers. Throughout his years with the Corps, Ross happily and energetically moonlighted as an all-purpose photographer. He became well known for his special and personal touch while providing family history in photos of weddings, baptisms,
portraits, and special events. Ross enjoyed the long and healthy retirement he deserved, diving ever-deeper into reading history and current events, working crossword puzzles, puffing his favorite pipes, and exchanging with an every-widening circle of family and friends. For many, Ross was a dependable source of insight and inspiration, usually revolving around his lifelong mantra: "Be reasonable."

Immediate survivors include his wife, Sophie, his four sons, and brother Jose Ernesto.

Rosendo's Life Celebration will begin with a Rosary on Friday, September 29, 2017 at 8:20 a.m. at Saint Anne's Church, located at 1400 Arenal Rd SW 87105, followed by a Mass at 9:00 a.m. Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 12:45 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

The Romero Family would like to acknowledge the help, care and concern provided by family and friends. In particular, Muchas Gracias to our extraordinary neighbor, Adam Rodriguez, and the compassionate team members from Presbyterian Hospice Care.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the charity of your choice.