Obituaries

Alfredo P. Romero was born February 19, 1964 in Redwood City, CA to Esperanza Padilla and Alfredo S. Romero, the oldest of five boys. He was a hardworking and loving son, father, and brother. He proudly worked more than 40 years in the garbage industry, as a driver and later as a mechanic, with many of those years spent alongside his father and brothers (Roman, Roberto, Melchor, and Daniel) before they passed away. Alfredo grew up in Redwood City, attended Junipero Serra High School, and married his first wife, Jana Tornow, at the young age of 20. They raised three kids together - Michelle, Danielle, and Joseph Romero. When they were young, they spent many summers and weekends at the lake and camping at the R-Ranch, before they divorced.

Alfredo lived life with quiet strength, calloused hands, and a generous heart. He was a simple man who enjoyed simple pleasures: a backyard BBQ, Sunday breakfast, a pack of Newports, and Diet Coke. He always wanted more for others than he desired for himself. Neighbors will tell you how kind he was. If he didn’t have much, he still gave you what he had. And he was a hardworking and loyal employee who found joy in providing for his family.

He used to joke that he’d be working until the day he died. Sadly, Alfredo died in a tragic incident at work while performing the duties of his job as a mechanic for Recology Golden Gate in San Bruno. While he was alive, he would tell his kids: “Work to live, don’t live to work.” But it was a motto he had a hard time living himself. His was a life of sacrifice, always working to provide and putting in overtime to ensure the ones he loved never went without. Family meant everything and providing was how he showed his love. It’s what his father taught him. He taught his kids the importance of a good education and reaching for the stars.

As his children grew older, they encouraged him to find time for himself, to do things he enjoyed, and to not work so hard. In the few years before he passed, he was finally starting to do that, thanks to a push from his partner Leticia Tamayo. They enjoyed going to the casino, taking short trips to San Diego and Mexico, and spending time with family.

Alfredo will be missed dearly. He is survived by his three kids, Michelle, Danielle, and Joseph Romero; son-in-laws Will Romero and Josh Annett; 4 grandchildren, Savanah, Madeline, Striker, Steel; and partner Leticia Tamayo.