Edmundo M Rombeiro
Edmundo M Rombeiro
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Edmundo Rombeiro Obituary
In 1970, Edmundo moved to the United States, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. He was a devoted husband to his late wife, Mary Jo Rombeiro, and a loving father to his daughter, Kathleen Rombeiro. Edmundo's family was his pride and joy, and he leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication.
Edmundo was a proud veteran of the Portuguese Army, having served honorably in 1957. His work ethic was unmatched, contributing to his successful careers at Fairchild, Harris Digital Telephone Systems, and later as a skilled handyman until his retirement in 2017.
A man of faith, Edmundo was a long-time member of Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church. His hobbies included decorating for the holidays, fishing, making homemade Portuguese wine, and playing Santa Claus, a role he cherished for 30 years. Each year, he transformed his home into the famed 'Christmas House,' a testament to his joyous and giving spirit.
Edmundo is survived by his daughter Kathleen Rombeiro, sister Rosalina Medeiros, son-in-law Tony Aguiar, brother-in-law Victor Moniz, sister-in-law Maria Jose Moniz, and his beloved furbabies Noel, Frosty, and Rusty. He also leaves behind many nephews, nieces, and cousins who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jo Rombeiro.
Services to honor Edmundo's life will include a viewing and rosary on November 3rd, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, followed by a rosary at 6:00 PM at Valley Memorial Park, 650 Bugeia Lane, Novato, CA. A Mass will be held on November 4th, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Loretto Church, 1806 Novato Blvd, Novato, CA, with burial to follow at Valley Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will be held at the VMP Reception Hall.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Edmundo's memory are encouraged to plant a tree in his name, continuing his legacy of giving and growth.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
14 Entries
Suzanne Agasi
October 26, 2025
How blessed and fortunate our community of Novato has been to have such a kind gentleman in our community and the best Santa Claus we could ever wish for. His love and dedication toward his family and kindness toward all children II appreciated. Edmundo will always be among the best of the best.
Diane Gore
October 25, 2025
Three generations of our family have enjoyed your hospitality over the years at the Christmas House. Hoping for peace for all of you.
Kathy Madsen
October 24, 2025
We will all miss him in his Santa suit, handing out candy canes every year. It was such a treat riding to his house in a horse drawn carriage with the family. He was always so proud of his family and his house. Being the Christmas house brought him so much joy. We will all miss him and his smile. His family was also kind, friendly and generous. Happy to have met them all at his Christmas house.
Kelly Townsend
October 24, 2025
My mother sold 34 Devonshire to Mr Rombeiro and I know he continued the good neighbor relationship with our former neighbors. He was a sweet man who let me and my mom in one December day after we learned that the Home I grew up in was now a Christmas holiday tradition. Your parents were very sweet and good people. I´m so very sorry for your loss.
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Sharon Walls
October 24, 2025
All three of my children grew up going to the Christmas house and seeing Santa. My oldest son moved to Florida ...when he had babies he made sure he came home to visit and brought back my twin granddaughters to see Santa and the Christmas house. Two generations grew up with Santa. Mr Romberio always brought me Portuguese sweet bread to my work and gave it to me around the Holidays . Loving memories will always be apart of our family.
Jody Bushton-Thalhamer
October 24, 2025
My husband and I loved to drive around looking at Christmas lights and one year I noticed lights in the sky. I thought it was for a new building but what we found was a gem. We followed them and discovered the Christmas house. We took our grandchildren for the next few years when they were at our home in Novato for Christmas. Your home was magical and a pure delight to not only Novato, but to anyone that came to visit. You will be truly missed and Thank you for the beautiful memories.
jackie nuno
October 24, 2025
i´m so sorry for your loss. He will be truly missed. I remember going to the house every year as my kids are growing up. It was a tradition. We´d love to and seeing him Santa was always amazing. He brought everything I believed about Christmas I felt like a kid again. The memories that we´ve all created throughout the years going to that house will live forever. He will live forever in our hearts.
Christine Sleight
October 24, 2025
I was just thinking of the Christmas House yesterday. What a wonderful gift he gave to Novato, and children of all ages. A life well lived!
Cindy Manzella Hammett
October 24, 2025
I worked with Eduardo at Fairchild Semiconductor in the early eighties until it's closure in 1985. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. And of course, my family enjoyed the Christmas house every year from when we moved to Novato in 1992. I remember our first visit, seeing Eduardo, I went up to him to say hello and was surprised that he remembered me from Fairchild.
I have fond memories of Eduardo and his family. They surely have given so much to the Novato community. Our sincere condolences to his family. May Eduardo rest in eternal peace.
Lori Rolovich and Family
October 23, 2025
To the Rombeiro Family,
We are so very sorry for the loss of our own "Novato Santa". Ed was a gift to not only my family, but hundreds of families in Marin County. He was a kind and generous man to open his home for the wonderment of children everywhere. Memories that will never be forgotten. Thank you for those gifts you, Mary Jo and Kathy shared with our community. I´m so sorry for your loss.
God has welcomed you home, most good and faithful servant. You have won the race. Godspeed, and thank you for our forever memories.
Megan Westcott
October 23, 2025
Dearest Edmundo aka Santa,
Thank you for opening your gorgeous home & humble heart to family, friends & strangers during the Christmas holidays. I will forever cherish our chats about how the Train room was started & telling me about your hobbies..
Forever missed ((((Hugs))))
Megan Westcott
MsRosie
October 22, 2025
He´ll always live in my heart and be remembered as the real Santa Clause
I´ve missed our precious times of Celebrations and our magical Christmas Joy. There is no one like you, my heart hurts... and still feels happy for your journey home to be with the love of your life Mary Jo. You amazed us every year with so much devotion to details, especially in the Train Room, breathtaking every time I got to enjoy it. Your touch to our hearts has brought so much Christmas Happiness. You´ve always shown us the love of family, and made me feel like your family. Sigh
Thank you Edmundo and Mary Jo for making our world a better place with your neverending Christmas love for all. I am so grateful to have experienced you in my lifetime Merry Christmas each day in Heaven. I love you
Nancy giliam
October 22, 2025
I was very lucky to move next door to ed , maryjo and kathy and tony, my daughter was young at the time they were the most caring wonderful neighbors , ed was a wonderful man that gave so much to the city of novat, he was dedicated every year of making people feel the spirit of xmas, not just something u watch on tv , he brought everything to life so all people could feel the spirit of xmas welcoming the public into his home and brought devonshire drive alive and put novato on the map , xmas was so important , very very important he started 4months of intencse planning and work to make the community happy along with maryjo , kathy and tonythis was not just a man this was santa claus , ed romberio will truly be missed, but i know this year he will be lighting up heaven ed you are with mary jo now , luv nancy giliam
Maria Gill
October 22, 2025
Uncle Ed, you are going to be missed dearly! Amanda and I will forever cherish all the great memories we had with you! We love you!
Rest easy Santa
Love,
Fatima and Amanda
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650 Bugeia Lane, Novato, CA 94945
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