Andrew Atanacio Romero

Andrew Romero, father, partner, brother, friend, uncle, competitor, mentor, traveler, carnivore, consumer of large amounts of food, and terrible singer passed away suddenly on, January 23, 2019.  He was full of life and adventure. Andrew was born on September 19, 1965 in Los Alamos, New Mexico. The youngest of four siblings, his youth was surrounded by family and friends. He was known for his love of athletics. From neighborhood rivalries playing ping pong, to many high school athletics, Andrew was always involved in sports. His friends ,”The Animals”  he made through his childhood remained some of his closest companions for life.

After high school, Andrew pursued a degree in criminal justice from the University of New Mexico. He loved Albuquerque and chose to make this his home. Andrew’s love of sports continued into adulthood as he became involved in the tennis community, which soon became an important part of his life. He was involved with many leagues, friendly games, and tournaments. It was clear that this was his love and passion, and some of his most cherished friendships and relationships blossomed from his love of the game. Tennis was also a family game, and he enjoyed this as an opportunity to spend time with his siblings and friends. Through sand volleyball, he met Gale, the love of his life, and together they brought Nadalia into the world in 2009.

Andrew enjoyed a career with the government, from which he retired in 2017. Following his retirement, he very much enjoyed spending time playing tennis and pickle ball, perfecting making carne seca as well as expanding his love of coaching. He took an enormous pride in teaching his daughter and spending memorable hours on and off the court.  Andrew loved the color turquoise & the Miami Dolphins.

Through his many friendships, Andrew had the opportunity to travel to new places. He traveled to Europe and across the country, always making sure to visit his loved ones and enjoy new experiences. He enjoyed traveling to Spain, Portugal and Morocco trying new cuisine, as well as taking his family to New York City for the Thanksgiving Day parade. He always wanted to visit Monte Carlo, which his family will now visit in his memory. Wherever Andrew went, he was sure to make new friends and memories.

Andrew was preceded in death by his parents, Atanacio and MaryLou Romero of Cuyamungue; his grandparents, George and Mary Ortiz, Jose and Lucinda Romero. He is remembered by his love, Gale Jancsics; daughter, Nadalia Romero; his best friend, Dennis Pollock; siblings Cindy (Mark) McNown, Beatrice Romero, Joseph (Jeanette) Romero; his niece, Camila (Robert) Maestas; and nephews, Joaquin Romero, Lucas Romero and Jesus Romero; as well as many uncles; aunts; and cousins.  In-laws, Henry and Leslie Wheeler; Brother-in-laws, Steven, Glenn, Timothy, and Grant and; sister-in-law, Deborah and many nieces and nephews. Andrew left behind many close friends who were his family. He is very fondly remembered by all of the lives that he touched and his presence will be missed.  In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations sent to the Mary Lou Romero Memorial Fund in care of the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org. In addition, a foundation in Andrew’s name is being established to provide tennis lessons and supplies to underprivileged children.