Albert “Al” Gabriel Romero Sr.

Albert Romero, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle peacefully passed away surrounded by his children and many of his grandchildren.

Born December 17, 1930, in San Bernardino CA to William and Margaret Romero spent most of his youth growing up in Santa Barbara.

After graduating from Santa Barbara High School in 1950, he enlisted in the military and served four years as an engineer for the US Navy during the Korean conflict.

Al returned to Santa Barbara after his military service and began his 42-year employment career with the Santa Barbara MTD. It was during this time as a bus driver where he met and fell in love with a beautiful young passenger named Julie (Barrera). They would eventually become husband and wife in 1958 until her passing in 2020.

Al, always a numbers guy, was instrumental in aligning a credit union for the company’s drivers to establish credit to purchase their first homes. His passion for detail eventually led him to become a supervisor and driver instructor. He is responsible for many of their procedures, safety awards and routes that are still used today.

Al and Julie’s (aka “Auntie Mom”) home was always a hub for multiple gatherings of friends, family and events, you could always count on Uncle Al to come up with some silly joke.

Al & Julie loved to travel and spend time with their close friends of “Table 10” and always enjoyed finding music to dance to.

A devoted and active member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Al became a Eucharistic minister and participated in many of the Church’s activities and functions.

Albert is survived by his children David (Rhonda}, Albert (Debbi), Robert, Julie (Robert) Thurston and his sister Patricia Maculak.

6 grandchildren, Eric, Alicia, Amanda, Daniel”DJ”, Michelle, Anabella

6 great grandchildren, Jacob, Marlee, Skylar, Hudson, Riley and Veronica

Albert is preceded in death by his wife Julie, brothers, William Romero, Edward Romero, and sister Clarita Carrlejo.

A Rosary service will be held at Our lady of Sorrows Church on Thursday, February 13, at 7:00 PM.

A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery.