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BORN
1951
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
Octabiano Romero Obituary
Known as "Toby" to most, he was a well-respected member of the Durango community. He had an associate's degree in drafting and a master equivalent degree in theology. He served in the Marine Corps, he worked for Qwest phone company for 32 years and served as a deacon in the Catholic Church for 22 years. Toby also enjoyed the outdoors, he was an avid fisherman and hunter. He spent his life serving others and he did it with grace. Toby was a devout and faithful husband. He was a very present father, as well as a father figure to many.
Proceeding his death, the thought that comforted him was "Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10. His testimony lives on and has affected many.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father Marianita and Melaquias Romero, his son Larry, his grandson Larry, and most recently his siblings, Nellie Reyes and Glen Romero both of Albuquerque, NM.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years of marriage, Mary; 6 children: Martin (Joy) Martinez of Oklahoma; Christine (Erik) Aas of Norway; Octabiano Romero (OJ) of Cortez; Rosemary Romero, Tobi (Trevor) Gillen and Andrew Romero, all of Durango; 17 Grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; Siblings: Alice (Walt) Laurence, Bernice Romero, Jose Andres "Joe" (Grace) Romero, all of Aztec NM; Linda Tapia of Belen, NM; Julianne (Jimmy) Morris and Georgia (Beto) Macias, both of Placitas, NM; Annette (Nicholas) Garcia and Melaquias (Debbie) Romero, both of Albuquerque, NM; many aunts and uncles, cousins and close friends, including Beatrice Perea and Dorothy Martinez, both of Espanola, NM.
A viewing will be held at 5 p.m. on Monday, April 10th, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Durango, with A Rosary Vigil following at 6 p.m. and coffee and cookies to share afterwards. A Mass of Christian Burial will also be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 10 a.m., with burial to follow at Greenmount Cemetery. After the burial, a luncheon will be held at the La Plata Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave., Durango, all are welcome to join the family in remembering Toby.
For those unable to join in the services for Toby, please visit www.hoodmortuary.com for a link to watch on YouTube.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Octabiano Romero
Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.
Bruce Heller
September 12, 2023
Toby was a special person in my eyes. He faced and conquered several challenges. We were in Cub Scouts together (3rd grade) a long time ago.
His bravery in combat during Vietnam left a lasting impression on me.
The VFW held a Military Funeral for him that was very well attended.
Rest In Peace Marine,
Bruce Heller
Stephen Beam
April 11, 2023
I remember when I was little running around the Qwest building while my parents cleaned it. Toby seemed to have a smile and hug ready for me. Your friends and family are going to miss you, Brother Romero. Rest In Peace, my friend.
Mary Ann & Larry Johnston & Family
April 10, 2023
Rest in peace Toby!
We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult times.
Love all of you!
Rogelio Candelaria
April 8, 2023
Solamente se puede decir,"Muy, pero muy, buena gente! RIP, amigo."
Milton Van Cleave
April 8, 2023
My friend was my brother, just born into a different family.
Cathy C
April 8, 2023
A friend to all, an enemy to none. A very special Deacon. Sincere condolences to all the family.
Emily Gomez and Pete Gomez
April 7, 2023
Pete and I send our love and good thoughts to Mary and Toby's family. Toby was a kind and a great person and he always had a smile on his face. Rest in peace Toby. Emily and Pete
Robert Talamante
April 7, 2023
My condolence to you Mary and your family in this hard time, the world lost a good man but God got a great soldier travel well my friend. Semper Fi.
Ray Jaramillo
April 7, 2023
My Heart aches, knowing that I won't see you again. You've been part of my life since for more than fifty years, and I will never forget our great times. Catch a couple of trout for me, bro. Stop by and have a tortilla and a cup of coffee. Love you!
Phil&Sandra Trujillo
April 6, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Carl Potter
April 6, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Toby's passing. We were good friends during our days at Smiley Junior High.
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