Arturo S. Romo, 91, was born to the union of Benito and Maria S. Romo on September 18, 1924 in San Antonio, Texas. He spoke often, and fondly of his parents; his father a great businessman, his mother a notable, and well-known midwife in San Antonio. He began working at a young age with his father and brothers delivering eggs to local restaurants and grocery stores. His father later purchased Porter Poultry and Egg Company. There, along with his family, he began as a truck driver delivering eggs and slowly helping to build the family business.

On October 12, 1943 Arturo enlisted into the U.S Army. He was inducted on October 21, 1943 at Fort Sam Houston Army Post. He began his service at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, Maryland, where he served as a guard of ordnance material that included military equipment, weapons and artillery. He was later sent for training to Fort Hancock, New Jersey to the 7th Coast Artillery for training in diving and ocean mine planting and loading sea mines. He put this extensive training into practice when he was transferred to the Panama Canal in Panama, May 24, 1945, where he was given the title of Submarine Mine Loader 656. He worked with a highly skilled group involved in loading explosives and also detecting and detonating devices with submarine mine cases used for the protection of the coastal waters and harbor areas of the strategic Panama Canal Zone during WWII. As a veteran of World War II, he earned several distinctions; some including, the WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the American Campaign Medal. There were many stories of his time in the Army that he was always able to recall in great detail; stories with his Army brothers, travel adventures, training as a lightweight boxer in the barracks for evening entertainment at unit posts, beautiful scenery, and the great pride he had of his service with the U.S Army.

He returned home from his service in 1946 and continued to work in the family business. During this time he met and married his wife Dolores C. Romo. She was the mother of his five children, Arturo C. Romo Junior, Theodore C. Romo, Elia Marie Romo Ramirez, Albert S. Romo, and Andrew Romo. He was a dedicated father to his children, committing fully his time and attention to his family and livelihood as a successful business owner for more than 60 years at Porter Poultry and Egg Company and later at Southern Pride Food Company. He always took pride in everything he did, including that his customers were always satisfied with his service to them.

Arturo loved going to his ranch in Uvalde, Texas for many years and was an avid hunter, outdoorsman, innovator, and mechanic. He was a very modest and humble man, who always insisted on living life simply. He was very generous and giving to his family, and always encouraged and helped with any ambitions in life. His positive attitude and enlightening words to keep the peace and "play it cool" in life will always resonate as the kind of man he was. He was and always will be the rock that held the family and lives together. Arturo is gone but will never be forgotten for a single day.

He was taken to heaven on Sunday February 14, 2016 surrounded by family. He showed strength until the end. He is preceded in death by his wife Dolores C. Romo, who passed away on February 14, 1990, and his two eldest sons Arturo C. Romo Junior, and Theodore C. Romo. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Margarita M. Romo. His only daughter Elia Marie Romo Ramirez, husband Adrian, and their three children. Albert S. Romo, wife Alice, six children, and grandchildren. Andrew Romo, and four children. Also, the surviving children of Arturo C. Romo Junior, and Theodore C. Romo.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Visitation will begin Thursday at 6:00 P.M. at The Angelus Chapel with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M. Funeral Mass will be offered Friday at 10:00 A.M. at San Fernando Cathedral. Interment will follow at San Fernando Archdiocesan Cemetery No.2.