Johnnie Romero

Johnnie Romero unexpectedly passed away at his home on June 11th, a month and nine days after turning 70. He was a creative soul, an artist at heart, a deep thinker, and a man with a great sense of humor. Born Monday, May 2nd, 1955, in Socorro, New Mexico, to parents Reina Carrillo (of San Antonio, NM) and Ismael Romero (of Lemitar, NM), Johnnie was a lifelong New Mexico resident and one of eight siblings. As a child, he adored his grandparents, Refugio and Abrana Carrillo; he loved visiting with them and truly enjoyed his Gramita’s cooking! They were a safe harbor against the storms of life.

As a young man, Johnnie met and married Marleen Rae Baker (of Denver, CO). They initially lived in Albuquerque, NM. They chose to settle in Rio Rancho, NM, and were parents to children Chance, Chandora, and Vanessa. They shared a love for family and wanted to give another try at a family bakery they opened, “Johnnie’s Cakes Pies and More”, later changing the business name to “Cakes, Pies, and More”. Johnnie remained married to Marleen until her untimely passing on June 29th, 2003, and never remarried. Although he never remarried, he did find love again in Amy Utaiwan.

Some beautiful words Johnnie left behind “Amy is someone I look at and see and feel magic each and every time I love hearing her words, seeing her smile as it lights up everything in me, I see nothing but beauty. Thank you, Amy, for just being who you are Amazing, and it seems forever beautiful in my eyes.”

Love Johnnie

Throughout life, Johnnie was a talented artist. As a young man, he was offered a scholarship to attend SAIC- School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and while his life took another direction, he never stopped creating. Whether he was painting holiday windows, or doing SPX Makeup for his son’s Halloween costumes, or putting ink to paper, he was talented in many mediums. Johnnie’s love of art showed in everything he created, such as the boxcar he helped create for his son’s soapbox derby. Johnnie remodeled his entire home on his own. In his later years, he began to help recreate his oldest daughter's home. He was an amazing landscaper, as a dad, he created a beautiful park-like yard for his children to enjoy growing up in. Johnnie’s later years, he recreated his yard into a beautiful bird watching retreat as the years passed. Some of his ink works will proudly be displayed at his services. He’d say, “Once you fall in love with ART, you can never leave it!”

Johnnie was a genealogy hobbyist and took great pride in researching his family tree. Never known to splurge on meals out, he did appreciate a good coffee shop and frequented Flying Star as a favorite, always wanting that coffee in a to-go cup. He was a movie enthusiast who loved an afternoon out to see a show at the movie theatre with his family or just during alone time, but loved the old black and white films of the past even more. The man had a love for music; he enjoyed anything from live music to the good old-fashioned in his truck. He also enjoyed putting on records, cassettes, and CDs; by far his favorite way to listen was on an original record player. Johnnie loved antique shops, this is where he’d find some great music, artistic pieces, and furniture on the marketplace to create the beautiful, creative space he called home.

At the time of his passing, Johnnie was retired, having previously been a business owner, long-time baker, and decorator in the bakery setting, Parks & Rec employee, as well as a USPS Postal Worker. In retirement, he found two of his favorite callings, “Papa” to 5 grandchildren, and “Best Friend” to Grandson Theo. He loved going out to eat every Friday with his older grandkids, Baby Blu and Koen, his daughters are extremely proud that their dad was the man in their life to help give them the foundation they need to enter adulthood. Johnnie also enjoyed taking them on small road trips to different towns around New Mexico. He shared a beautiful love with all his grandchildren and was an amazing “Papa”.

He is survived by his children, Chance Eon Romero, Chandora Ann Romero, and Vanessa Rae Howland, son-in-law Noah Howland, Grandchildren: Carmen Blu Rae Dunn, Koen Jacob Brockhoff, Theoderic Michael Howland, Naomi Helena Howland, Arnold William Howland, siblings: Isidro C. Romero, Patricia Gibson, Suzanne Romero, Rosalie Romero, Denise Valerio, Antonio Romero, Christian Montano. 

Quote: “Till death did we all part, leaving each time, someone, with a broken and empty heart” –

Johnnie Romero

Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 25, beginning 5:30 pm-7:00 pm at Daniels Funeral Service 4310 Sara Rd Rio Rancho, NM 87124. A Celebration of Life will be on Thursday June 26, beginning at 9:00 am also at the Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park 4310 Sara Rd, Rio Rancho.