Romeo Nicolas San Antonio, age 82, of Norfolk, Virginia passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Romeo was born in Paombong, Bulacan, Philippines to Alberto and Concordia San Antonio. He met his future wife Frances, who was a nurse at Beth Israel Hospital, in 1965. The following year they were married, and their marriage endured for over 57 years.
Romeo served 23 years in the United States Navy, retiring as Chief Petty Officer with a specialization as an aviation mechanic. He was a passionate "shade tree" mechanic. While he tinkered with and repaired many dozens of cars, his affection for Mercedes always remained close to his heart. Romeo took pride in his 11-year tenure as President and 4-year tenure as Vice President of the Fil-Am Veterans of Hampton Roads. He also held the position of Vice President of the United Ilocano Association of Tidewater for 4 years.
An avid gardener, Romeo spearheaded the creation of the Fil-Am Veteran Memorial Garden at PCC. He passionately fought for the benefits of WWII Fil-Am Veterans and in 2007 was honored by TOFA as one of Twenty Outstanding Filipinos Abroad.
Romeo's greatest treasures were his family: his son, Omar, married to Rachel, and daughter, Kimberlie, married to Peter Petrulis. His grandchildren, David and Josephine Petrulis, cherished their Lolo's humor and the memories they created together. Romeo is survived by his siblings, Nita Corpuz and Jesse Valencia, while his parents and younger brother, Bartolo San Antonio, preceded him in death.
A visitation for Romeo will be held Wednesday, June 19, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6309 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, Virginia 23502.
A funeral mass will occur Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 7800 Halprin Dr., Norfolk, VA 23518. He will then be laid to rest in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. A reception will be held at the St. Pius X Catholic Church Parish Hall, adjacent to the church, following the funeral.
