Fernando J Romero

Fernando J. Romero, 89, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on July 24, 2025. He was born on January 14, 1936, in Durango, Colorado, to Lucas Torrez Romero and Maria Navidad Candelaria.

Fernando was a devoted husband to Julia M. Sandoval, with whom he shared 62 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love and family. A caring father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Fernando cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren.

A passionate advocate for education, Fernando believed deeply in its power to transform lives. After graduating high school, he attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Regis University in Greeley, Colorado, followed by a Master of Arts in Art Education from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Fernando began his teaching career in the Aztec Municipal School District, then moved to Grants, New Mexico, where he and Julia raised their family. He taught mathematics and art in the Cibola County Municipal School District for 30 years, and also led evening art classes at New Mexico State Community College in Grants. In 1988, he relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he continued teaching art with the Clark County School District until his retirement in 1996.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucas and Maria Navidad Romero; his brother, John; and his sisters, Madie, Bernadine, Martha, Helen, Sara, and Diana.

Fernando is survived by his three children: Ray (Monica) Romero, Julie (Joseph) Nichols, and Maria (David) Ipharr; his beloved grandchildren: Alex, Christina, Anna, Emily (Richard), Amalia, and Jacob; and his great-grandchildren: Liahna, Laylah, and Remmington.

Fernando’s ashes will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Julia, in Aztec Cemetery. A private graveside memorial will be held in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—two causes close to Fernando’s heart.