Ricardo V. Romero, Sr.

At sunrise on July 23, 2025, the soul of Ricardo V. Romero, Sr., continued on to thrive in the heavenly realm after 87 years in this world. The cause of his death was, well, let’s just say it was his time, which he accepted with grace and serenity.

He was born in Saginaw, MI on December 2, 1937 to the late Jack and Dolores (Verdusco) Romero in a home on Fitzhugh St. that was razed to facilitate I-675, which he was okay with as the demo occurred while no one was in the house at the time. He is survived by his sister, Theresa Mikusek, Millington, MI. His sisters Raquel Romero and Anita Ochoa and his brother Roberto Romero went to the Promised Land ahead of him.

He was a graduate of Arthur Hill Trade School, class of 1955, and then attended Bay City Junior (now Delta) College, graduating 30 years later (he took his time). He then enlisted to become one of the few, the proud, a United States Marine, serving as a Wire Chief at multiple bases in the Pacific theater.

After honorable completion of service, he returned to Michigan to work as a barber in Hamtramck. While in the Detroit area, he met the love of his life, the former Irene Villanueva, who decided to date him because he could dance well. In May 1962, Ricardo and Irene committed to dancing together for the next 63 years, the last year resulting in an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis. This blessed dance also yielded their children, Ricardo (Sarah) Romero II, Monroe, MI; Daniel (Shirley) Romero, Saginaw; Raquel Romero-Meacham, Saginaw; and Diana (Gary) Davis, Canton, MI. He leaves cherished memories to 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren with one more on the way. He treasured each one of his descendants.

In order to fund the voracious appetites of these descendants and Catholic high school tuitions for his children, he worked as a pipefitter at Grey Iron Foundry for 35 years, retiring in 1999. To his astonishment, he enjoyed over 25 years of retirement.

Having a deep faith in God, he supported numerous charities throughout his time in Saginaw, lending to his reputation as a respected, all-around great guy with a big heart. He was valued member of the former Sts. Peter & Paul Parish and, later, the Holy Spirit Parish choirs. He was also an avid gardener, having completed the MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program, devoting numerous hours of gardening expertise to public areas in Saginaw County. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for several decades, created stained glass art that was displayed at the former Sts. Peter & Paul Church, made sparkling wine from scratch (until several bottles blew open), and golfed with teams on several courses in the Saginaw area. He enjoyed lending his skills to Habitat for Humanity on numerous projects in the Saginaw area. An avid traveler, he visited all 50 of the United States and several countries with his wife and various family members. He is also remembered for his infectious dry humor, which spread into the genetics of his descendants. His family gatherings were hilarious.

Respecting his wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at the Fischer Family Funeral Home, 504 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw, MI 48602, including a vigil service at 6:00 p.m.

The funeral Mass will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1035 N. River Rd, Saginaw, MI 48609 at11:00 a.m. on August 1, 2025 with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m.

Graveside service will occur at 1:00 p.m. on August 4, 2025 at the Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd, Holly, MI 48442.

In lieu of flowers (the gardens at his home are filled with them) please be kind to others and share humor with others. Both make life better.