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J. Mike, 91, a long-time New Mexico educator, passed away at his home in Albuquerque. Mike is survived by his wife of 62 years, Celia Griego Romero. Born in El Valle, NM, a village in the Las Trampas Land Grant, he came to Albuquerque to attend Menaul School when he was 12. After graduating from Menaul High School in 1932, he attended the University of New Mexico, graduating with a degree in Education in 1938. He continued his education at the University of Southern California and Highlands University, where he earned a Masters Degree in Education Administration. Mike began his teaching career in his home village of El Valle at the one-room school. During World War II, the U.S. War Food Administration hired him to set up and operate Mexican form labor camps in Idaho and the Northwest. He stayed in Idaho for five years after the war, working for the Census Bureau and later for the Idaho Growers Association. Mike returned to New Mexico and to his career in education in 1950. During his 35-year career as a teacher and administrator, he taught at La Joya High School and Belen Junior High and served as Principal at Pecos High School, Cuba High School and Los Lunas Junior High School. He also served as Director of Instruction for the West Las Vegas School System. He retired from the Los Lunas Public Schools in 1977. Active in civic affairs, Mike was a member of the National Education Association, The Los Lunas Retired Teachers Association, The March of Dimes, and the Lions Club, serving as President of the Los Lunas Club. Ever grateful to Menaul for the opportunities the school opened for him, he was an active member of the Menaul Alumni Association and loyal supporter of the school. Mike is survived by his wife, Celia Griego Romero, and their four children; six grandchildren; and one great grandchild. Surviving children are Leo M. Romero and wife, Robin of Albuquerque, Patricia Romero of Laguna Beach, CA, Nancy Romero of Albuquerque, and Ray Romero and wife, Rosie of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren are L. Michael Romero and wife, Gauri of Boston, Gregory A. Romero and wife, Iliana of Los Angeles, CA, Melissa Cova of Maui, HI; Nick Cova of Berkeley, CA, Bianca Romero of Mt. Holyoke College, MA, and Paloma Romero of San Antonio, TX; great-grandchild, Ariela Sofia Romero of Los Angeles, CA. He is also survived by his sisters, Cande Aguilar of El Valle, Corde Aguilar and husband, Abe of Penasco; and brother, Celestino Romero and wife, Dulcie of Taos. Mike was preceded in death by his brothers, Rev. Porfirio Romero of Taos and Nelson Romero of Silver City; and parents, Amador and Leonardita Romero of El Valle. Prayer meeting will be held Wednesday, 7:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel. Memorial services will be held Thursday, March 20, at 2:00 p.m., at Second Presbyterian Church, 812 Edith NE, corner of Lomas and Edith NE. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Menaul Scholarship Fund, 301 Menaul Blvd. NE, 87107 or to the New Mexico Commission for the Blind, 2200 Yale Blvd. SE 87106. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
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