It is with great sorrow and deep love that the Romero family announces the passing of Kirt Anthony Romero, a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and the rock of his family. Kirt passed away Thursday, September 24, 2026, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Kirt was born September 26, 1967, in Abbeville to William “Billy” Romero and Myra Richard Romero. He was raised in Delcambre, where he attended school and met the love of his life, Betty Smith. After five years together, Kirt and Betty married and built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. During their 36 years of marriage, they welcomed three beautiful children, Damian, Derek, and Shelbi, who became the center of their world.
Kirt was a hardworking man and devoted provider who always made certain his family was well cared for. After attending trade school and becoming an electrician, he began his career with Sorrell Electric and later worked for Dixie Electric. He then joined Sterling Sugars in Franklin as an electrician. Determined to continue learning and advancing, Kirt studied instrumentation, which led to a long and successful career in the carbon black industry with Degussa/Orion Engineered Carbons and Cabot Corporation. Through his knowledge, hard work, and years of experience, he advanced from hands-on electrical and instrumentation work into supervisory and engineering roles.
Throughout his career, Kirt formed lasting friendships with coworkers who became an important part of his life. Known affectionately as “#1” and “Golden Boy” for his knowledge and expertise, Kirt was never one to simply sit behind a desk. He preferred being alongside his coworkers, sharing what he knew and lending a helping hand whenever needed. His dedication to his work and to the people around him earned him the respect and friendship of many.
But Kirt was about much more than work. He had a true passion for bass fishing and spent as much time as he could on the water with his fishing buddies. An avid tournament bass fisherman, he competed in many well-known tournaments throughout Louisiana, including the memorable Doiron’s Tournaments in Stephensville. He was a proud member of the Teche Area Bass Club, Atchafalaya Basin Boys, and LA Bass Cats. The friendships and memories he made through fishing were cherished, but there was nothing Kirt loved more than his family.
Kirt dedicated his life to Betty and their children. He was present and involved in every aspect of their lives. A Life Scout himself, Kirt was especially proud to support Damian and Derek in Boy Scouts, and he faithfully cheered Shelbi on at her cheer competitions. He and Betty made certain they were there for every milestone and special moment. Together, they enjoyed camping and exploring the beauty of Louisiana and its great outdoors. Many treasured family memories were made at Lake Fausse Pointe. In later years, Kirt and Betty continued their adventures, traveling across the United States and visiting some of the country's most beautiful national parks.
Kirt’s greatest legacy will not be found in his career or accomplishments, but in the love he gave so freely. Beneath his tough exterior and modest nature was a big heart filled with love for his family and friends. His smile may have been hard to earn, but when it appeared, it was pure and genuine. Kirt showed his devotion to others through quiet acts of service, always willing to help and never seeking attention or recognition. He was a husband who cherished his wife, a father who was always there for his children, a grandfather whose heart was filled with love for his grandchildren, and a friend whose presence made life brighter for those blessed to know him.
Those left to cherish Kirt’s beautiful memory are his wife and best friend of 36 years, Betty Smith Romero; his children, Damian Michael Romero (Morgan Lacour), Shelbi Romero Ransonet (Carson), and Flore Clerbaux, who lovingly looked upon Betty and Kirt as her “American Parents”; his beloved grandchildren, Thomas Shore Romero, Clara Jane Ransonet, and Grayson Lacour; his parents, William “Billy” Romero and Myra Richard Romero; and his sisters, Tessie Duhon (Darren) and Magen Romero.
He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Merza Tabor Smith; his nieces and nephews, Ross Hebert, Emit Duhon, Johnathan Smith, Jacob Smith, Lacy Trosclair, Molly Floris, Brody Floris, Ian Dugas, and Manning Lacy Pitre; and his in-laws, David Smith (Denise), Debbie Pitre (Shaun), Tracy Floris (Timmy), and Kelly Smith (Blake).
Kirt was preceded in death by his beloved son, Derek Thomas Romero; his father-in-law, Collin Smith; his nephew, Justin Smith; and his grandparents, A.L. “Baba” and May Richard and Edias and Rita Romero.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Kirt Anthony Romero will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 28, 2026, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, with Fr. Keith Landry serving as celebrant. Following Mass, Kirt will be laid to rest alongside his beloved son, Derek, at Holy Family Mausoleum.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Sunday, September 27, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with the recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m., led by the Men’s Rosary Group. Visitation will resume Monday morning from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., at which time the procession will depart for church.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are Darren Duhon, David Duhon, Christopher Colletti, Matthew Boutte, Matthew Prados, and Hunter Senette.
Although we will deeply miss Kirt’s presence among us, our Catholic faith gives us the promise that death is not the end, but the beginning of eternal life and the hope that we will one day be reunited with those we love in the heavens above. Until that day, give Derek a hug and a kiss from us all, Kirt, and know that you will forever live on in our hearts, our memories, and the lives of everyone you touched. May your soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the Romero family by visiting Kirt’s memorial at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
