Pedro “Pete” Roman passed away at home on December 28th, 2025 at the age of 93. Pete was born on June 28, 1932 in Fresno California to Pedro and Enriquetta Cecena Roman, Mexican American immigrants who met and married in Fresno CA. He was the second of their five sons; Phil, Pete, Manuel, Gene and Art.
Shortly after graduating from San Joaquin Memorial High School in 1951 he joined the U.S. Air Force where he proudly served as an Air Traffic Controller until he was Honorably Discharged in 1956. While still in the Air Force, during 1955 he married Frances Garibay, “the love of his life”. Pete and “Frannie” were blessed with five wonderful children; Patty, Dianne, Rose, Steve and Richard. After leaving the Air Force in 1956, Pete joined the Federal Civil Aeronautics Administration in Fremont CA where he was highly regarded during his 31 years of service as an Air Traffic Controller. He retired from the Oakland Air Traffic Control Center in 1988. In 2004 he moved back to Fresno so he and Frances could enjoy their retirement closer to their family roots.
Pete was a true patriot and a hard working man’s man. He was a devout Roman Catholic who epitomized the traditional American priorities of “God, Family, Country!” He didn’t speak of love very often but he always showed it. He lived by the principle that “actions speak louder than words” and always demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his family and friends. He would often arrange family gatherings and conference calls to keep the family connected while being separated by many miles and he frequently checked in on older relatives to ensure they were safe, comfortable and felt loved. Pete would greet every familiar face arriving at his home with their favorite beverage and send them home with a big smile on their face and a plant or cutting from his garden in their hands. He was greatly loved by his family, friends and neighbors.
Pete and Frances remained a loving, devoted couple for 66 years until his adored wife “Frannie” passed away during 2021; the saddest day of his life.
He felt blessed that he was able to live out his final years at home as he had always wished. His eldest daughter Patty dedicated her life to live with him and care for his daily needs for several years prior to his passing, assisted by Marina and Olga, the family’s loving and dedicated caregivers. Maria was another angel who had recently joined his care team. These four wonderful women brightened his final years with their tender care and sincere friendship; reminiscing, engaging in discussions on current events and sharing many laughs, all of which brought him joy from their daughterly companionship.
He was very grateful to live long enough to see all of his grandchildren mature into young, successful adults and welcoming three great-grandchildren to his much loved family. During his last years he frequently acknowledged that he had lived a long and full life but that he was anxious to be reunited with his beautiful “Frannie” again. We will miss him dearly but are comforted by knowing that he is once again embracing “the love of his life” and is now at peace in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Farewell Pete; you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. Your work here is done. We’ll see you on the other side.
Pete was predeceased by his parents Pedro and Enriquetta, wife Frances, brothers Manuel and Gene and sisters-in-law Anita, Theresa and Rhonda. He is survived by his brothers Phil (Lara) and Art (Julie); his children Patty, Dianne (Rich), Rose (Mark), Steve (Hollie), Richard (Cristina); 11 grandchildren and his 3 great-grandchildren.
Pete always loved plants and flowers; he requested that those wishing to honor him will consider donating to the National Right to Life Committee so that other children might be saved to enjoy them as much as he did.
National Right to Life Committee, 1446 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Website: https://nrlc.org/
