John Joseph Romero III, passed away peacefully at his home in Glorieta, NM on Monday, November 20, 2023, at the age of 79. John was born in Las Vegas, NM, on July 5, 1944, to John Joseph Romero Jr. and Leota Valverde. He was the eldest of five siblings.
John led a dynamic and active life and was known for his passion for music, education, and the outdoors. He graduated with his master's degree in music from Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM, where he met his sweetheart, Constance Lynn Erbert. After graduation, they moved to Glorieta, NM, where they both spent their lives together.
He began his career as a band director for Pecos Independent School District and spent his summers fighting fires as a Hotshot with the US Forest Service. Through teaching music, he discovered his passion for school administration, and he eventually became an elementary principal and then a high school principal. In 1988, he moved to Questa, NM, where he served as the Director of Instruction (Assistant Superintendent). He completed his educational career as Superintendent of the Questa Independent School District in 1991.
During the summer months, he worked as a Hotshot with the US Forest Service, fighting fires and quickly rising through the ranks to become a regional zone dispatcher. One of his career highlights was the Cerro Grande Fire in 2000, which he named and successfully coordinated efforts to fight. After retiring from the Forest Service in 2004, he was contracted by Bridger Fire of Bozeman, MT, to help organize staffing for the fire season before fully retiring in 2008.
John was an avid outdoorsman, and he loved hunting, fishing, and protecting the environment. He was also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Constance; his daughter, Dina Jay (Trevor), and grandchildren, Alison and Cooper of Sammamish, Washington; his son, Timothy John Romero (Sheila), and grandchildren, Jaidynn and Gavin of Minersville, Utah.
John's life and legacy will be celebrated in a service in April 2024.
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About |
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| Name | John Joseph Romero, III |
| Date of Birth | July 5th, 1944 |
| Date of Death | November 20th, 2023 |
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Memorial |
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| Funeral Home | Rivera Family Funeral Home - Santa Fe | |
| Address |
417 Rodeo Road Santa Fe NM 87505 United States |
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published a tribute .
Lucy and I want to express our deepest condolences, we will always remember him and keeping him in our thoughts and prayers. I am glad John and I became good friends and I enjoyed the stories he would share with me about his growing up year and his professional careers. He was a good man.
published a comment .
My deepest condolences to the Romero Family, John was one of the best Music teachers Pecos has ever had. I was in his PHS band and crossed paths again working Wildland Fires in NM in dispatch. He called me Sarge in HS because I always wore an army jacket my uncle had given me! John was a great person.
published a comment .
My condolences to the Romero Family. John was a remarkable man and fantastic teacher. I babysat for the family for a few years, and loved it. He taught me alot in band, and helped me get into college in Las Vegas. Thank you, John for all you did for Pecos. You will be missed.
published a comment .
Nancy ( Martinez) Quintana
My deepest Blessed Condolences to the family in the passing of their beloved, John. I remember your nice kindness and friendship when we were at Northern New Mexico Normal High School. May you RIP dear friend. May God embrace the family and friends during this heavy hearts of Sorrowful presence and give you comfort.
published a comment .
My deepest and sincere condolences to Constance and to the family, Mr. Romero will truly be missed. May God give you strength in your time of need.
published a comment .
John was indeed an honourable man. Dedicated to his family and his profession as an educator. His colleagues at the Normal will miss his gentle presence
published a comment .
I am so very sorry for your loss. John and I were friends when we were children in El Rito and neighbors, he was always so kind to me and I would tag along as he took his little gun to hum birds, I don’t remember him ever getting one. Last time I saw him was when I was in high school and he was at Highlands and I had gone on a band trip from Espanola. May our dear Lord bless you.
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