Romolo O. Blea

Romolo O. Blea 74, of Taos, New Mexico, originally from Cerro, New Mexico, passed away at Holy Cross Hospital on February 25, 2014. He died peacefully surrounded by his family. Tio Romolo as he was known in our family was preceded in death by his parents, Andres and Floripa Blea, and by his siblings: Anselmo Blea, Amalia Molly Quintana, Sofie Romero, Bernie Blea and Della Gammill. Also preceding in death, brother-in-laws, Conrado Quintana, Tony Romero, Rudy Davis and Lee Gammill, nephews, Sam Romero, Rick Romero and George Romero, and many other family members and close friends. Tio Romolo is survived by his niece, Rosa Q. Valencia, who was raised by Tio Romolo and Grama Blea, and by his God-daughter, Brenda Cisneros (Jonathan Fernadez). Also surviving him are his younger sister and brother-in-law, Selma and Johnny Mascarenas, from Urraca, New Mexico, and his older sister Marvine Davis from Aurora, Colorado, and her family, Frank (Linda) Davis, Linda (Pat) Trostel, Debra Davis, and Andy (Tina) Davis. Tio Romolo held a special place in his heart for his nephews and nieces, and grand-nephews: Sandra and Eddie Cisneros, Ruby and Adrian Garcia, Max and Magdalena Mascarenas; Eric Cisneros, Brain and Veronica, and boys, Brian Jacob (little B), and Michael Garcia, Kevin Garcia, Juan Carlos Mascarenas, Kimberly Mascarenas and Sabrina Mascarenas. Tio Romolo is also survived by his sister-in-law, Marie Blea, niece Jenny (Ken) Anderson, and their daughter Amanda Anderson. In addition, survivors include Rosas boys, Chris and Jamie Valencia, Miguel and Sarah Valencia, Pietro and Rachel Berardinelli, and their children Bella Rosa, and Draden. Tio Romolo is also survived by his special cousin Belda and Charles Archuleta, and their daughters, Andrea Morales and Anita Quintana, and their spouses and children. Tio Romolo leaves behind a large extended family of nephews, nieces, cousins and hundreds of friends. Our loving Tio Romolo was an inspiration to many. He had a courageous independent spirit. He was a shining star in our family. At the age of 22, he suffered a T-3 back injury in an accident at the Red River Ski Area. Tio lived 51 years in a wheelchair as a parapeligic, the majority of the time he lived independently. Tio Romolo celebrated his 74th birthday on February 23, 2014. The celebration carried over onto Monday, February 24, 2014 when the ICU staff decorated his room with banners, balloons and provided the best ice-cream cake ever enjoyed by all. Tio was alert, sitting up in his chair, talking with everyone, smiling for the camera and overall just enjoying every moment. Later the same day the ICU staff enjoyed taking selfies with Tio. The family gives special thanks to the entire ICU staff, doctors, nurses and all involved in his care during these last few days, and especially for making his last birthday so special. This was a memorable blessing for the family and we cannot thank you enough. The family acknowledges Tios life-long friends: Abel and JoAnn Gomez, Dan and Evelyn Quintana, Virgil and Gloria Martinez. To you and all the countless others, including caregivers, and neighbors, staff at the Taos Housing Authority and many others who are not mentioned here, please accept the families gratitude for your devoted friendship to our brother and Tio. Your generosity and compassion is engraved in our hearts. Visitation was held on February 27, 2014 at Rivera Chapel. Memorial Service was held on February 28, 2014 at Rivera Chapel. Graveside service was held on March 1, 2014 at the Cerro Cemetery in Cerro. THIS OBITUARY IS PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT LAWS, UNAUTHORIZED USE OR DUPLICATION IS PROHIBITED.