Gilbert Romero

ROMERO, Gilbert V. "Niggie" 10/14/1929 - 4/15/2017 Born October 14, 1929 and departed from this world April 15, 2017. Predeceased by his parents, Isidoro and Antonia Romero; brothers, Roy and Alex. Survived by his beloved wife, Mary of 64 years; children, Gilbert (Loretta) Romero, JoAnn (Steve) Sutton, Mandy (Ron) Hunt, and Eugene Romero; five grandchildren, Vicki (Scott) Transue, Charles and Chris Hunt, Cassandra Hatounian, and Courtney Sutton; five great-grandchildren, Kaelin, Scott, and Sarah Transue, Sabin Hatounian, and Lileah Barrow, as well as extended family. Born and raised in the Barrio Blue Moon District, Gilbert attended Tucson schools. After graduating from Tucson High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve on June 23, 1949. His unit was Easy Company 13th Infantry Battalion. He left Tucson July 30, 1950 for Camp Pendleton, there he was reassigned to Able Company, 1st Marine, 1st Battalion. His unit was the first to be activated to Korea. On September 15, 1950 he participated in the Inchon Landing. On March 23, 1951, grenade shrapnel wounded him. On April 23, 1951, again he was wounded. He was shot in the chest and in the chin, shattering his jaw. He was placed on a helicopter, which was shot down by enemy fire. He then was placed in a convoy, which was ambushed and he was again shot, this time in both legs. Gilbert was awarded the Silver Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal w/ 1 Gold Star, along with numerous medals and awards. Our thanks to the staff of the VA Hospital and the Arizona State Veteran Home for their excellent care. Special thanks to Michelle Menchacha for her loving care. Viewing: Carrillo's Tucson Mortuary-South Chapel, 240 S. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701, Monday, April 24, 2017, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at St. Augustine's Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701 and 12:00 p.m. at Holy Hope Cemetery, 3555 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson, AZ 85705. In lieu of flowers, make donations to TMCL/ Devil Pups c/o David Caballero, 602 W. Cabot Drive, Tucson, AZ 85756. Arrangments by CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY.