Raymond D. Romero February 1, 1938 - September 28,2025

It is with a heavy heart that we, the family of Raymond D. Romero, born on February 1, 1938, announce that he passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, surrounded with love and prayers from his family. He was 87 years old.

Born in Socorro, New Mexico, Raymond was the son of Pedro V. Romero and Julianita H. Romero. He spent his formative years in Socorro, Los Lunas, and more recently, Albuquerque, NM. He attended Mt. Carmel Catholic School, Socorro High School and the University of NM.

It was while he attended SHS, where he was a talented basketball player and choir member, that he met his first wife and high school sweetheart, Jill Francine Holllinger. Raymond and Jill were married on June 2, 1958. Together they built a life they loved and welcomed four beautiful daughters, Julie, Debbie, Stephanie and Jill. In 1967, Jill became ill and succumbed to her illness in 1981. It was during this time Raymond worked tirelessly to keep his family and girls together. He then married Anita whom he remained married to until his passing.

Throughout his life, Raymond loved to golf and participated with the St. Pius Parent Alumni Softball team. Those who knew him best, knew that he was an avid Green Bay Packers, NY Yankees, and Notre Dame fan. Any given sports season, he could be found sitting, watching, and cheering on his favorite teams while eating a big bowl of pinon. He was also an ardent fan of Neil Diamond and Frank Sinatra and often sang “My Way” and “Fly Me to the Moon” to his grandchildren while making up silly lyrics.

Raymond was also a professional clown for many years. His clown name was “Tata” after the loving nickname given to him by his grandchildren. As a clown, he enjoyed painting faces, performing tricks, and entertaining his grandchildren at their birthday parties and at their schools. He derived immense joy from visiting his grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their schools, where he would paint faces, read to their classes, and attend the various activities they participated in, ranging from dance to football to basketball. So many of Socorro’s children knew and loved Tata.

Of all things that Raymond loved, he was most proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved spending time with them, reading with them, playing with them, and snuggling them on his back porch swing or in his recliner. He loved making Christmas magical for each of them, calling them each Christmas season as Santa Claus and reminding them to be good. He loved keeping family traditions and reveled in the times he could eat his daughter Julie’s cooking. Raymond touched the lives of many and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Anita Romero; children Julie (Robert), Debbie (Chris Carrejo), Stephanie Atkins (Matt), Jill Miller (John); Grandchildren, Anissa Vega-Ritter (Nathan), Jelise Vega, Marissa Vega, Rayanne Valdivia (Adam), Kyla Ammons (Andrew), Chase Atkins (Ashley), Bradley Chavez (Jen), Brittany Tom (Dwight), and Cassidi Fletcher (Brayden); great-grandchildren, Liliana, Shaylee, Paislee, Grayden, C.J., Ryder, Skylar, Kamryn, Maverick, and Blakely; and siblings, Gene Romero (Rowena), Dolly Yonker (Mike), and sister-in-law Loretta Romero; along with many beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Pedro and Julianita Romero, his high school sweetheart and wife Jill, siblings Daniel Romero (Cookie), Jennie Aragon (Orlando), Ernestine Esquivel (Mel), Bobby Romero, and Lugy Clark (Tom).

A Rosary will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 10:30am, at San Miguel Catholic Church in Socorro, NM. Funeral Mass will be held immediately following Rosary. Burial will be held privately and attended by immediate family only. If possible per Raymond’s request, in order to honor him at his funeral, we ask that you please wear something representing one of his favorite sports teams, Green Bay Packers, NY Yankees, Notre Dame, or Socorro Warriors. Floral arrangements by Pretty Petals Boutique, Socorro, NM.