John Romero

At 94 years old, John Romero, born on 23 June 1931, in Monrovia, CA, passed away on 18 February 2026. Suffering from a stroke at the end of January, he was rushed to Desert Regional Medical Center. Due to the condition his stroke left him in, he was transferred to a skilled nursing facility to began physical and speech therapy before going home. While at the skilled nursing facility, his condition transitioned. A few days after arriving to the skilled nursing facility, around 9:22pm on 18 February 2026, John passed away; his grandson Robert rushed to his side to hold his hand and kiss him goodbye as he made his new journey to Heaven.

A lifelong resident of Monrovia, CA, John was born at home to loving parents, Antonio and Cruz Romero. In 2023, he moved away from Monrovia to live with his grandson in Indio, CA. During his life, John raised two children, Leonard and Lisa Romero; with a third, his grandson Robert Ramirez, raised with his second wife Cecilia Romero, since Robert was two years old. John lived a full and fruitful life, helping others when in need and answering the ultimate call to service for his nation.

At the young age of 20 years old, John was drafted in the United States Army on 01 February 1952. After completing basic training (8 weeks) and basic infantry training (8 weeks) at Camp Roberts, CA, he was transferred to Fort Hood, TX to train as a Combat Engineer. After completing Combat Engineer training, John was sent to Ranger School. Upon graduation, he was transferred to another company that was short a Soldier for a deployment to Korea. When he landed in Korea, he served in Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, under the 3rd Infantry Division. Entering the service as a Private (E-1) in 1952, he was discharged as a Sergeant (E-5) after serving 1 year, 11 months, and 20 days in service, with 10 months and 17 days served in combat in Korea. His military decorations include: Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal w/ 2 Bronze Service Stars, and the United Nations Service Medal.

John was a strong and noble man, loving father and grandfather, and the most patient person God created. He never allowed emotions to cloud his judgement, never allowed others to see him in a weakened state, and always gave the best advice and answers. Of his many accomplishments, John was most proud of his children, grandchildren, and the security he brought to his family. The happiness these accomplishments brought to him was unmeasurable. He ensured those he was responsible for had security, love, and comfort in their lives. Spending the last 40+ years of his life with his childhood sweetheart, Cecilia, brought comforts, joy, and happiness to an already exceptional life.

John's physical body remains on Earth, but his spirit now resides in Heaven surrounded by parents, brothers, wife, as well as other family members and loved ones. While it is with heavy hearts we continue our lives without him, rejoice in the knowledge that he is at peace and surrounded by love. His watch has ended, and now he can eternally rest.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." - 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Viewing and Burial Services
Service Date: 09 March 2026
Viewing: 10am - 12pm @ Douglass & Zook (600 E Foothill Blvd, Monrovia, CA 91016) 
Chapel Service: 12pm - 12:45pm @ Douglass & Zook (600 E Foothill Blvd, Monrovia, CA 91016) 
Burial: 1pm - 1:30pm @ Live Oak Cemetery (200 E Duarte Rd, Monrovia, CA 91016) 
Dress Code: Formal or Conservative and Respectful 
Flowers: John will receive a veteran’s service with the United States flag draped over his casket, and in respect for the flag no casket flowers may be placed, though flowers on easels are welcomed
Point of Contact: Robert Ramirez @ 626-224-1346