ROMERO, Alfredo (Hotcha) Fernandez

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, Arizona, Wednesday, December 18, 2013 Alfredo “Hotcha” Fernandez Romero, 84, passed away peacefully in his home Nov. 25, after a long struggle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was surrounded by his beloved family and now is survived by his devoted wife, Rosa C. Romero; and his five children, Kathy Rose Bruther of Temecula Calif., Keith Basilio Romero of North Hollywood, Calif., Dr. Kenneth Albert Romero and his wife, Dr. Laura S. Romero, of La Jolla Calif., Karolyn Teresa Dulco and her husband, Dan Dulco, of Northridge, Calif., and Kyle A. Romero and his wife, Julie M Romero, of San Marco Calif. Al, as he was known to his family, left behind eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Born to Basilio and Ester Romero in Miami, Ariz. on April 24th 1929, he developed a lifelong love of sports, playing on his high school basketball team. Later he attended Arizona State University and shortly after, enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War as a Paratrooper with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team. He was always proud of the time he served in the army. After returning home he married Rosa Campos-Ornelas on Oct. 15, 1956 and in 1958 moved to Southern California, where he raised his family and worked 35 years as a Carpenter. He enjoyed his retirement years, continuing his woodworking craft by remodeling his home, playing golf with friends and tending to his much envied garden. He could always be found in his comfortable recliner cheering on his Los Angeles Dodgers and Lakers and once upon a time, the Los Angeles Rams. His quick wit and one liners warmed and drew people to him, creating lifelong friends. Al could strike up a conversation with anyone and they would feel as though they’d known him forever. His kindness, generosity and warm smile will be missed by all who knew him. The celebration of Hotcha’s life was held at Mission Hills Catholic Chapel and he was buried at Mission Hills Catholic Mortuary on Saturday Dec. 7 at 9 a.m. The Military Honor Guard was present to honor their fallen comrade.