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Arturo Romero
Aug 29, 1929 - July 31, 2022
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Arturo Hernandez Romero passed away surrounded by his family on July 31, 2022. He was 92 years old. His nickname, known to his family and friends was “Duke,” a name his children gave him decades ago as they said he resembled John Wayne, his favorite movie star.

Duke was born on August 29, 1929, in Jalpa, Zacatecas, Mexico to Arturo and Maria Hernandez Romero. After losing both parents, he migrated to the United States in 1945 at the age of 16 and lived in southern California. He moved to Turlock in 1947 and that summer met the love of his life, Ramona, the boss’s daughter, whom he married in August 1951. Their romance lasted 71 years and he was blessed with a large and loving family which consisted of 8 children, 22 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, with another one arriving in October.

He was a kind, warmhearted and generous man who loved his faith and his family and had a great sense of humor. He loved entertaining family and friends. You always had to take a shot of tequila with Duke.

Duke owned and operated Romero Farms and Romero Agri-Labor Service for many years. He was an expert when it came to farming and passed these skills along with his strong work ethic to his children. He often had visits from the UC Davis Ag Department and others wanting to learn various agricultural practices. He served in the U.S. Army/National Guard from 1951- 1960. He was sworn in as a U.S. citizen in a private ceremony by the late Harry Pregerson, U.S. Circuit Judge of the Ninth Circuit. In his earlier years he also served as a Director for the Farmer’s Home Administration and Growers Harvesting Committee; President of the Guadalupe Society and Latin American Club; He was a member of the California Peach Association, Cherry Growers Association, Farm Bureau, Allied Grape Growers, and Knights of Columbus. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish and served on the building committee for the new church. Also, all 8 of his children attended Sacred Heart School as well as many of his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Ramona, he is survived by his children-James (Maria); Patrick (Cynthia); Linda (George) Soles; Artie (Marylou); Mona; Bernadette (Carlos) Estacio; Gloria; Yolanda Lencioni; and 22 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A rosary will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at the Turlock Funeral Home. Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Turlock on Friday, August 12 at 12 noon, followed by a graveside service at the Turlock Memorial Park.

Duke will be sorely missed. He was such a classic, timeless individual as a family man, businessman/farmer, and leader. Remembrances may be made in Duke’s memory to the Father McElligott Foundation- Sacred Heart School, Turlock or the United Samaritans Foundation, Turlock.