Joe F. Pancho Romero went to be with our Lord, surrounded by his family on February 9, 2018.  He was born March 9, 1926 in Mora, New Mexico, the youngest of seven children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan J. and Antonita.  Brothers, Ernest and Juan J; sisters, Marie, Alicia, Margie, Sr. Rita Marie; and grandson, Diego Tafoya.

He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Ruth T. Romero.  Children, Angela Anderson (Ken), Ralph (Velda), Roberta Smischny (Rick), Leonard (Carmella), Kenny (Marianne), and David (Lisa); special nephew, Phillip Romero.  Grandchildren, Mark, Jon, Joe Alex, Gabe (Janett), Rachel (Mario), Jessica, Nicholas (Jessica), Sarah (Nick), Tylara, Dominique (Victoria), Jeff and Jordan (Alicia); 13 great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Pancho attended St. Michaels High School and joined the U.S. Navy in 1944.  He served honorably on the USS Bottineau in the Pacific and was discharged in 1946.  He married the love of his life, Ruth Trujillo on November 25, 1946.

He sold fine men’s clothing at Goodman’s and Moore’s on the plaza for many years and retired as the Bureau Chief of Enforcement of NM Dept. of Motor Transportation in 1987.

He was a lifelong member and Past Exalted Ruler and District Deputy of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.  He was a proud member of the Quadrilla De Don Diego De Vargas and a longtime member of the Caballeros De Vargas.  He served on the City of Santa Fe Planning Commission.  He was a devoted lifelong member of the Catholic Church.

He spent his retirement years as a talented cabinet maker and wood carver.

Pancho was a great example to his entire family of how to live with honesty, integrity, and respect and his timely sense of humor will be greatly missed, but we will always have his sayings we called “Panchoisms” to remember him by.

There will be a rosary for Pancho on Monday, February 19, 2018, 10:30 am at The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis followed by the eulogy and Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am. 

Committal with Military Honors will take place on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, 10:30 am at The Santa Fe National Cemetery. 

Pallbearers will be Angela Anderson, Ralph Romero, Roberta Smischny, Leonard Romero, Kenny Romero, David Romero and Phillip Romero.

Donations can be made in Memory of Joe F. Romero to the Catholic Charities of Central New Mexico, 2010 Bridge Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105.

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