Alfa Romero

Alfa B. Romero, 76, a Santa Fe native and longtime resident, passed away peacefully at home on August 23, 2026, after a struggle with dementia. Alfa, or “AL,” as many knew him, was a vivacious, strong-willed, and caring person who touched the lives of many. Alfa was married to Maria de la Luz Romero for 24 years and had three children, Gene, Leticia, and Angelica, all raised in Santa Fe. Later in life, Alfa welcomed his fourth child, Angelina, with Lisa Kumar. Alfa was born in Santa Fe on January 8, 1950, the fifth child of Jose Arsenio "Archie" Romero and Josie Whittington Romero. He spent his childhood in the Village of Agua Fria and in Española with his grandma Anita. His teen years were spent in Santa Fe, where he graduated from Santa Fe High School before entering the U.S. Army in September 1968. He served with the Apache/Mad Dog Troop, 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, along the DMZ in South Korea. After returning to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he was honorably discharged in December 1971. He moved back to New Mexico with his then-wife, Maria, and their newborn son Gene. He worked in Albuquerque at an RV manufacturer and several RV businesses for six years before opening his own business, Al’s RV Center, in Santa Fe with his brother Leroy. Alfa remained in business for 44 years and was known by many in the Santa Fe community. Alfa had seven sisters and four brothers. He was preceded in death by his parents; his eldest brother, Archie Romero; an older sister, Annette Nigh; and a younger sister, Zoila Matamorez. He is survived by siblings Bernadette Baca, Leroy Romero (Berlinda), Filo Mena Lopez (Ralph), Kathy Wujick, Elizabeth Suazo, Gus Romero, Julius Romero, and Sylvia Herrera (Daniel). Alfa’s memory lives on through his beloved children Gene Romero (Rachel), Leticia Burke (Stephen), Angelica Romero, and Angelina Romero. He is also survived by Maria de la Luz Romero, and he shared in being a proud grandparent to Gloria Serrano, Ana Belle Burke, Thomas Burke, and Adelio Romero. He is also survived by dozens of loving nieces, nephews, and Godchildren. Alfa was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. He loved living life to its fullest, and he lived his life vivaciously. He was known for being able to fix just about anything. He could coax life back into any RV, often with nothing more than creativity, determination, and whatever tools he had in his pockets. The family is deeply grateful for the expressions of love from Alfa’s many friends and relatives.

 A rosary, funeral service, burial, and reception will be held on Friday the 30th of October 2026. The rosary will be recited at 9:30 am at Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Church, 11 College Rd., Santa Fe. 

A funeral ceremony will follow at 10 am, and burial will take place at 12:30 pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe Street. Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Alfa at a reception from 1 pm to 3 pm at Msgr. Jerome Martinez Social Hall located adjacent to Santa Maria de la Paz. In lieu of flowers, and in celebration of Alfa Brugette Romero’s life, the family suggests sending memorial donations to any organizations that help support people struggling with Alzheimer’s.