Octabiano "Toby" Romero

Octabiano Romero was born May 28, 1951 to Marianita and Melaquias Romero in Canjilon, New Mexico. He passed away in Albuquerque NM after suffering a catastrophic stroke post heart surgery.

Known as “Toby” to most, he was a well-respected member of the Durango community. He had an associate’s degree in drafting and a master equivalent degree in theology. He served in the Marine Corps, he worked for Qwest phone company for 32 years and served as a deacon in the Catholic Church for 22 years. Toby also enjoyed the outdoors, he was an avid fisherman and hunter. He spent his life serving others and he did it with grace. Toby was a devout and faithful husband. He was a very present father, as well as a father figure to many.

Proceeding his death, the thought that comforted him was “Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. His testimony lives on and has affected many.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father Marianita and Melaquias Romero, his son Larry, his grandson Larry, and most recently his siblings, Nellie Reyes and Glen Romero both of Albuquerque, NM.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years of marriage, Mary; 6 children: Martin (Joy) Martinez of Oklahoma; Christine (Erik) Aas of Norway; Octabiano Romero (OJ) of Cortez; Rosemary Romero, Tobi (Trevor) Gillen and Andrew Romero, all of Durango; 17 Grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; Siblings: Alice (Walt) Laurence, Bernice Romero, Jose Andres “Joe” (Grace) Romero, all of Aztec NM; Linda Tapia of Belen, NM; Julianne (Jimmy) Morris and Georgia (Beto) Macias, both of Placitas, NM; Annette (Nicholas) Garcia and Melaquias (Debbie) Romero, both of Albuquerque, NM; many aunts and uncles, cousins and close friends, including Beatrice Perea and Dorothy Martinez, both of Espanola, NM.

A viewing will be held at 5 p.m. on Monday, April 10^th, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Durango, with A Rosary Vigil following at 6 p.m. and coffee and cookies to share afterwards. A Mass of Christian Burial will also be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 11th, 2023, with burial to follow at Greenmount Cemetery. After the burial, a luncheon will be held at the La Plata Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave., Durango, all are welcome to join the family in remembering Toby.