Jesus Ramiro Romero

07/05/1944 - 11/10/2025

Jesus “Jesse” Ramiro Romero, age 81, flew free peacefully from his garden into the everloving arms of his maker on the quiet evening of 11/10/2025. Born in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico to Maria Estela Hodgers and Ramiro Espinosa Romero. He came to the states at 11 years of age and was a resident of Los Angeles, California through his formative years. He moved to Monrovia, California during his childrearing years then returned to El Serino as a single father. He moved back to Monrovia from El Sereno for the duration of his adult and retired life. Jesse was a philosopher, teacher, coach, salesman, and self-proclaimed purveyor of unsolicited advice. AND if he wanted your opinion, he’d give it to ya…

Jesse attended elementary school in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. He attended Dolores Mission Catholic School in East LA to the 8th grade where he was active as a lead altar boy with Father Colefield who greatly influenced his personal and spiritual life. At Salesian High School he was an allstar athlete letterman in football and baseball. He attended Salesian Seminary in Northfork, New Jersey completing his Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy. Mr. Romero taught and coached at his alma mater then married his High School sweetheart Sylvia Ann Magallanes and together produced 4 amazing progeny. He taught and coached at Cathedral High School in Downtown LA leading their soccer team to CIF championship playoffs. After his first career in teaching, he worked at Xerox then Eastman Kodak Co in the sales and leasing department of the copy products division. He later sold tax shelter annuities and at the age of 50, achieved his Master of Education from California State University, Dominguez Hills. He became a Certified Public School Teacher at inner city schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District from which he finally retired as an assistant principal at the age of 61.

Nature was his Holy Land and Yosemite his Cathedral. His passions were hiking, camping, gardening, biking, dragging others along on wild adventures, and talking to (and about) anything and anyone; AND, of course, Volkswagens! From the overflow of his Great, Big, Strong Heart and from an inspirational level of generosity, Jesse never missed an opportunity to help, to share, or to teach you a lesson (your permission was entirely unnecessary).

He leaves behind 7 strong ass siblings (inlaws and outlaws included), several fabulous nieces and nephews (with amazing grands and greats of their own), and many fortunate friends and neighbors who he loved as his own family.

He will be missed dearly by his 4 beloved adult children and their spouses; Christine and Steve Lightbourne, Jesse Jr., Jeannine and Eric Thornton, and George and Mia Romero, along with his 8 precious grandchildren: Andrew and Natalie Thornton (of Jeannine), Nicholas and Arlie Romero (of George and Mia, and bonus grand Kaymen Barber of Mia), Faye Rey Romero (of Jesse Jr. and Marlenne Dreyfus Steward), and Riley, Tyler, and Kayla Lightborne (of Christine and Steve). He is preceded in freedom by his favorite sister-in-law Lilia Abogado Romero, his devoted mother Nana Maria Estela Hodgers Romero, his hard working father Tata Ramiro Espinosa Romero, and favorite youngest brother Julio Romero.

Jesus “Jesse” Ramiro Romero was a force of nature who transformed people under his influence (good, bad or indifferent) to become more than they could ever be without him. He lived for his Family, found his Faith, and is now in Eternal Freedom. R.I.P. (Rowdy In Paradise!)

A Celebration of Life Party will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, November 22nd at Papa’s House in Monrovia, CA. Leave a private message or contact any direct family member you know for more information.

Prayers for our family and friends are welcome.

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