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Celestino Romero was born on February 2, 1926 and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on January 13, 2006. Celestino is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dulcie; his children: Diana McDonald (Bill); JoAnn Ortiz (Bob), Robert Romero, and Helen Hernandez (Lorenzo); grandchildren: Vanessa Romero, Robert Romero, Chelsea McDonald, Jordan McDonald, Loren Hernandez; and great-grandson, Ryan Romero. He is also survived by two sisters, Cande Aguilar and Cordelia Aguilar (Abe); and adopted brother, Samuel Martinez; and numerous nieces and nephews. Celestino graduated from Menaul High School in Albuquerque and following graduation, was drafted into the U.S. Navy. He attended UNM and NMHU where he graduated with a B.A. in Education and an M.A. in Educational Administration. He was high school principal in Questa and Ojo Caliente and then was hired to work for the Taos Municipal School district. He served the district for 32 years in the capacity of teacher, counselor, Director of Special Services and as a principal until his retirement in 1985. His public service included: serving as a panelist for the western states study on the Education at Risk at the request of President Reagan: serving on the state Agency for Aging under two governors; serving two terms in the state Legislature; serving two terms as Taos County Commissioner; serving as a boy scout troop leader; sponsor of the Key Club; President of Taos County Schools Credit Union; serving on the Board of Taos Soil and Water Conservation District (for 28 years); serving as Kiwanis member for 50 years; and Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis International. Celestino's deep religious beliefs were lived out in the numerous activities that Celestino was involved in throughout his life. He taught Sunday school, served as deacon and elder for the First Presbyterian Church in Taos, was instrumental in assisting his church adopt a sister church in the country of Cuba; served as President of the Self Development of the People Committee and served as President of the Board of Trustees and Manager of the Loma Verde Presbyterian Camp of the Northern New Mexico churches. Despite the fact that Celestino was so involved in the community and in serving others, his family was his joy. For those of us who were blessed by his presence in our lives, we will fondly remember his steadfast trust and belief in the Lord, his wit and corny jokes, his flaming red hair (in his youth), his integrity and strength of character, his social graces, and love of outdoors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Loma Verde Camp, a non-profit camp owned by the Presbyterian church families of northern New Mexico and which serves any and all groups from throughout the country. Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 20, 2006 at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Taos. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home.
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