John Romero

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.