José Clovís Romero, 92, a lifelong resident of Embúdo, NM peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on October 2, 2026, in Velarde, NM He was born on October 24, 1933, to Octaviano and Bersabé Romero.

Clovís graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1953. In 1954, he was drafted into the United States Army, completing basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas, followed by advanced training at Fort Lee, Virginia. He then traveled by train to Fort Lewis, Washington, and from there by ship to Inchon Bay, Korea.

After returning home from Korea in November 1955, Clovís worked the family’s 10-acre orchard in Embúdo. He later attended The College of Santa Fe, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting. In 1960, he began his career with the New Mexico State Land Office as an accountant in the oil and gas division, retiring in December 1991.

That same year, Clovís began dating the love of his life, Benigna “Nina” Ortega of Chimayo. They married on August 1, 1964, and shared a life together until Nina’s passing in May 2002.

Clovis took great pride in caring for its 330 fruit trees and the large gardens he planted each year. He instilled in his children a deep appreciation for the land, as well as the importance of soil and water conservation. He became well known for his delicious apples, pears, peaches, and apricots. He tended to his orchard until he was 88 years old even after he handed over day-to-day operations to his son in 2015.

A kind, honest, and honorable man, Clovís was deeply loved and respected as a son, brother, uncle, husband, father-in-law, friend, and master fruit grower. He also served as commander of American Legion Post 62 in Dixon for many years. He was a devout Roman Catholic and lifelong parishioner of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dixon.

Clovís was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Nina; and his siblings, Nancy Brown, Ruby Breneiser, Arsenio Romero and Lula Harris.

He is survived by his son, Matías (Victoria); daughter, Felice (Harold); grandchildren Zachary, Sunny, Alejandro, Anthony and Isaiah; great-grandchildren Mila and Ezekiel; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Clovís will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his love of the land, his service to his country and community, and the kindness and generosity he showed throughout his life.

Services are pending.

The Family of Jose Clovis Romero has entrusted the care of their loved of to DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477