Jose Antonio (Tony) Romero

Tony passed on February 04, 2026, following a short period of home hospice care. Tony was born in March 1937, in Llano Largo, NM, to Antonio D. Romero and Ascencion Romero (Velaquez), both deceased. Daughter Barbara preceeded Tony in death.

Tony is survived by his wife of 66 years, Emma (Maestas); sons Leroy (Patricia) and Burt (Louella); grandchildren Cassandra (Tim) and Jared; two sisters and seven brothers.

Tony was a career forest fire fighter with the U.S. Forest Service working on the Angeles NF in southern California, the Lincoln NF and Carson NF. Upon retirement, Emma and Tony returned to the Penasco valley to enjoy life, gather firewood, raise some hay, and restart his participation with the Hermanos Pentitente of Los Trampas, NM.

During retirement, Tony drove local school and firefighter buses, was active in the Llano De San Juan acqueia commission and served as board member of the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District.

We thank Dr. Karen LoRusso for two decades of medical care and Jennifer, Sara, Georgette, and Irwin of Anvoi Hospice Care for their thoughtful care during Tony’s final days.

A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 pm on Monday, February 16, 2026, at San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church in Penasco, NM. 

Mass will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:00 am at San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church in Penasco, NM. Burial will follow immediately at the family cemetery in Llano de San Juan, NM. A gathering for family and friends will be held at after the burial at the Penasco Communty Center.

The family of Jose Antonio Romero has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477