Raymond Romero Jr.

Raymond was born on July 17, 1959 in Fresno California. He passed away on July 22, 2012 in Fresno at the age of 53. Raymond was the first born child of Raymond Sr. and Florence Romero. Raymond was survived by three beautiful daughters, Christina Marie Garcia, Andrea Melissa Romero, and Stephanie Liana Romero. Six grandchildren Liana Melendez, Alicia Garcia, Jesi Garcia, Tommy Quintana, Raymond Ibarra, Audrina Ripoyla. Brothers Andy Romero, Steve Romero, Leonard Romero, and Larry Romero. Sisters Carol Pena, Elena Alfaro, and Desiree Estrada.

Raymond's parents moved to Los Angeles County where he attended school at Giano Middle School and Nogales High School. Shortly after high school Raymond left Los Angeles and moved to Fresno where he lived the rest of his life. Raymond worked with his Dad in the construction field. He learned his Dads trade and became a very skilled plasterer. He was known for his expertise and sharp skill as a plasterer and was named "Top Gun" because of this.

While living in Fresno Raymond soon came to know a girl named Gloria Liera. They were married on August 4, 1979 and they started their family having three beautiful daughters. Throughout the years Raymond and Gloria struggled to keep the family together but their marriage ended after twelve years. Even though they were separated Raymond continued to be a part of his daughters lives and he and Gloria remained friends. Deep down he stilled loved Gloria. Raymond would always tell us whenever we had gatherings when we invite his girls to tell them, bring your Mom she's invited too, we would just smile, or he would make comments when Gloria was around our family that she came because she still loved him and wanted him back, again we would just smile and say yes Raymond. Many years went by and he then met a girl named Anna they were together as a couple for several years. Raymond was blessed with his 6 grandchildren and in his last years he spent them trying to become a good Grandfather to them.

Raymond enjoyed playing a dice game called Zilch. He showed his brothers and sisters how to play and when they were together he always started up a game. Somehow he seemed to always win or we would let him win, especially when he was making up his own rules to the game. Raymond loved to sing when he was growing up, but as he became ill he

was unable to sing due to the shortness of breath. Raymond learned how to play this game called Guitar Hero where he played a toy guitar and sometimes sing. He loved playing this game with his brothers Andy and Larry and his nephews. Raymond also loved to play horseshoes, he was nicknamed Razor Ramon because of his razor sharp and precision throwing skills at the game. The nickname Razor just stayed with him by his brothers and close friends. Raymond spent a lot of time with his brothers Andy and Larry. Every weekend he would stay with his brother Andy and they would enjoy their games and listening to their oldies. Raymond was Andy's best friend, his life, and Raymond told his mom "take care of Andy for me, don't let him go crazy" when I'm gone. Raymond knew Andy better than anyone and wants him to continue to his life remembering all the good times they had.

In the year of 2001 Raymond had his first heart attack. It was then when he found out that he had a very serious heart problem. Raymond was told by doctors that he only had 6 months to a year to live. Since that year Raymond was in and out of hospitals suffering from mild heart attacks, difficulties breathing and severe swelling. Raymond had to undergo lots of procedures but he held strong and continued to live I I years more then the doctors gave him. His last days were spent with his 3 daughters. Raymond was able to be with them for his last birthday. Raymond was very happy on that day to be with his daughters, the day before he went into the hospital. On the next day July 22, 2012 he passed. Raymond will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

We will always* hold you close to our hearts never forget the great brother that you were to us. I love you brother.

Your loving sister Carol Pena

Visitation will be held at Lisle Funeral Home on July 26, 2012 from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, followed by a wake service at 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at Lisle Funeral Home on Friday, July 27, 2012 at 10:00 am. Interment will be at Belmont Memorial Park.