Franklin L. Romero passed away on October 8, 2016 at Kindred Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO.
Frank was born in Raton, NM on April 10, 1945, the son of Benjamin A. Romero and Margaret Garcia Romero.
Frank received the gift of life from his own brother Fred on June 29, 1963. Being identical twins Fred gave Frank a kidney. The successful operation was performed by Noble Prize winning Dr. Starzl, the pioneer of organ transplant.
Frank graduated in 1964 from Raton High School. He moved to Albuquerque where he worked for the Veterans Administration for 18 years. He then moved back to Raton to work with family and worked may years with his brother Fred at the Spur Lanes. Frank was an avid tennis player and skier, loved to camp and spent many hours at he family ranch.
Frank had a triple by-pass at ParkView Hospital in 1997. In 1998 the kidney that his brother gave him in 1963 failed and he had to go on dialysis. Before he could get a new kidney he had to wait for a suitable liver which he received in 2005 in Pittsburgh at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In 2006 he was fortunate to receive another kidney transplant also performed in Pittsburgh.
After his recovery he once again returned to Raton to be with family and continue to work with his brother Fred at the Spur Lanes.
Illness once again returned off and on for the last couple of years, he had the comfort of his beloved dog Hito.
Frank was preceded in death by his father Benjamin A. Romero, his mother Margaret G. Romero. Two brothers, Amadeo Tomas Romero, Dr. Benjamin A. Romero ll and one sister Marion G. (Romero) Budd, sister-in-law Alice Groves Romero and brothers-in-law Richard Weaver and Harold Kious.
Frank is survived by his twin brother Fred, sister-in-law Linda Romero, brothers, Paul (Penny) Romero, Dick (Carole) Romero, Donald (Ethel) Romero. Sisters Margaret Kious, Dorothy Weaver and Louise (Dick) Gonzales and brother-in-law Nelson Budd. He is Survived by special nieces and nephews Karrie, Chris, Robin and Ryan and numerous other nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a very special person in his life, Wanda Gates and her daughter Ginger. Longtime friends, Rosella Muniz of Wagon Mound, NM and Deborah Ludden of Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation in memory of Franklin L. Romero.
Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary will be on held on Thursday, October 13th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s/St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Raton. Solemn Mass of the Resurrection will be Friday, October 14th at 10:30 a.m. with Father John C. Brasher as the Celebrant. Rite of committal and internment will follow at Fairmont Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements for Franklin L. Romero are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
May U rest in the Bossom of Abraham. I kno this truth for the peace bestowed upon Ur face when U began Ur eternal journey. Remembering all, Ur visiting at our little ranch and playing games while growing up, bowling time, family events, our breakfast mornings at Ur home, U, twin Fred & I, three cousins enjoying the time & recounting events & family geneology. I miss it all and so glad we had that time together dear to my heart… Love U Primo, Thinking of U, always Prima Lila…
Always a person full of spirit and life. I remember how the twins stood together at the time of the first kidney transplant. They both ran like the wind and Frank was concerned Fred would not be able to do sports. A huge lesson on living and compassion for all of us. RIP.
Heartfelt sympathies to the Romero family. I fondly remember the many years of league bowling at the Spur Lanes and the friendship of Frank and Fred. RIP my friend. May all the fond memories bring comfort to all your family and friends. Whenever I hear the rumbles of the storm clouds I will know you’re bowling with my mother-in-law Sue….lovingly Lina Weisdorfer
I bless you and Rest In Peace and love you and I really going miss you and very much
RIP Frank. You will be remembered as a wonderful, fun-loving classmate. Prayers for your family.
Oh, my heart is laden with sadness over the death of a very wonderful man. I so fondly remember dancing with the twins at our junior high dances. What fond memories! Frank was a very special person. My heartfelt sympathies to Fred and all the family. lovingly, Cheryl Gay Gatti