Herman J. Romero, 82
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Herman J. Romero, 82, of Williamstown and Raleigh, N.C., died Wednesday, March 16, 2011, at home in the arms of his wife, following a heroic battle with prostate cancer.
Born in Magdalena, N.M., on Dec. 1, 1928, son of Adolph and Ella Mae Sullivan Romero, he grew up in Reserve, N.M., and attended the New Mexico Military Institute. He graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1951.
He served in the National Guard in New Mexico.
Mr. Romero established and operated an insurance firm. Described as a born salesman, he decided he could be of more service to his clients as an independent agent after a 22-year career in sales and management for New York Life Insurance Co. He enjoyed an entrepreneurial spirit throughout his life, pursuing business opportunities including real estate development and financial services, and never considered himself "retired." He first was employed as a physical education teacher.
He had many passions and especially enjoyed family gatherings, presiding over the making of New Mexico chile rellenos, enchiladas or green chile stew. He loved his family, was an avid reader and a college sports enthusiast. He was active in civic organizations for many years including the Elks Club and Rotary International, serving as president of the Panorama City (Calif.) Rotary chapter.
He leaves his wife of 57 years, the former Naomi Ovington; a daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne and David Dewey of Williamstown; two sons and daughters-in-law, David and Sherri Romero of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Timothy and Lorene Romero of Phoenix; two sisters and their husbands, Rosemary and Roland Montoya of Las Vegas and Patricia and Arthur Ahr of Albuquerque N.M.; a brother and sister-in-law, Jon and JoAnn Romero of Las Vegas, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Another brother and a grandchild predeceased him.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A memorial service for Mr. Romero will be held at St. Patrick's Church, Williamstown, on Saturday, March 26, at 10. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA and Hospice of Northern Berkshire.
Arrangements are being directed by Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, MA 01247.