Carlos Romero

Carlos Romero, a beloved patriarch and centenarian, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 6, 2025, in Foothill Ranch, California, at the remarkable age of 105. Born on September 7, 1919, in Borneo, Cundinamarca, Colombia, Carlos lived a life defined by resilience, love, and an unwavering commitment to family and community.

Carlos’s heritage was rooted in his grandparents, who emigrated from Saragosa, Spain, and his parents, Heliodoro and Maria Luisa Bernal, who married on June 21, 1917. He grew up surrounded by the warmth of a large and tightly knit family, alongside his cherished siblings: Celmira, Heliodoro, Beatriz, Lucila, Alvaro, Hugo, Marco, Duvan, Elsa, Chato, LuzEstella, and Yezid.

A proud veteran of World War II, Carlos served with honor in the Allied forces, defending the Panama Canal. On July 16, 1944, he married his soulmate, Leticia, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love and devotion. Together, they raised two children, Eliott and Gloria, and in 1957, the family immigrated to Los Angeles, California, where they embraced the opportunities of a new homeland and became proud U.S. citizens.

Carlos was a self-taught intellectual, inventor, and master tradesman whose expertise spanned electrical work, plumbing, and contracting. Known for his sharp mind and tireless work ethic, he approached every challenge with ingenuity and determination. Despite his many professional accomplishments, Carlos’s greatest joy was his role as the anchor of his family. He was deeply committed to creating a better future for his loved ones, helping them navigate their paths to the United States, and extending his generosity to many friends in need. He often lived by the credo, “Don’t say it, DO it!”—a reflection of his hands-on approach to life and his belief in leading by example. Carlos’s enduring legacy is one of love, sacrifice, and strength, carried forward by his cherished family.

He is survived by his children, Eliott and Gloria and her husband Ruben Calegari; six adoring grandchildren: Audrey, Ernie, Duncan, Christina, Miguel, and Carlos; and eight beloved great-grandchildren: Grace, Ernie, Gabriela, Emmett, Gavin, Gianna, Santiago, and Nicholas.

His memory will remain a guiding light for all who were fortunate enough to know him.