Former resident of Gilory, Louis Richard” Romero died on January 18, 2012. He succumbed to a four-year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family at his time of passing. Louis was born on April 15, 1932 to Ausencio Romero and Mary Gurrero on Bickmore Ranch near Morro Bay, CA He was preceded in death by his wife, Inez, brother Manual Romero, sister Helen Morales and is survived by sister Esther Lopez, brother Jesse Ybarra, brother Tony Gonzalez, five children: Richard Romero, wife Thea; Robert Romero, wife Beverly; Ronda (Romero) Kulhanek, husband Mark; Russell Romero, wife Colleen; Rebecca (Romero) Whittington, husband Steve; 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Upon turning 18, Louis joined the United States Air Force. He served with the 533rd Material Squadron Air Defense Command during the Korean War. After returning home, Louis met Inez while the two worked for Gentry Foods cannin! g plant in Gilroy. They were married on July 22, 1956.Louis and Inez left Gilroy for Richmond in 1959. The family moved to El Sobrante the following year. Louis began working with Bell & Griffin as a truck driver before moving on to work for United Grocers/Fleming Foods, and was a member of the Teamsters union.
Louis, Inez and the children were all fond of the outdoors, spending family vacations camping, four-wheeling and riding motorcycles. Two-wheelers came to define Louis, as he joined the Richmond Ramblers in the late 1960s and was a lifetime member of the American Motorcycle Association. He participated in hill climb competitions before moving on to racing his Ducati in enduros. Louis was a District 36 class rider in the expert category. Louis rode his dirt bike until he was 75 and continued off-roading in his Polaris RZR S side-by-side. His other hobbies included astronomy and photography. Louis was also a member of the Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Assn. Inc.
Louis will be laid to rest, along with Inez, on Friday, January 27, 2012, at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 West McCabe Road, Santa Nella, Calif. 95322. The 30 minute service will begin at 12:30 P.M. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 11, 2012, from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. at the Richmond Masonic Hall, 5050 El Portal Drive, Richmond, CA 94803.Donations can be made in his memory to the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery. Please make checks payable to “SJVNC Gift & Tree Fund” and mailed to: SJVNC, 32053 W McCabe Road, Santa Nella, CA 95322.
Louis “Richard” Romero April 15, 1932 – January 18, 2012
