Romolo Coca Jr.

Romolo Coca Jr., 82, passed away May 15, 2025 in Las Vegas, NM. He was born August 11, 1942 in Las Vegas, NM to Romolo Coca Sr. and Eufemia De La O. Romolo attended West Las Vegas Schools and later earned his certificate in carpentry and building trades from Luna Community College, where he helped build modular homes.
Romolo proudly served his country as a member of the US Army from 1967-1969 during the Vietnam War. Following his service, he continued his dedication through the New Mexico Army National Guard's 720th Transportation Company in Las Vegas, NM for several years. He was employed by the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute and Meadows Home for over 25 years, where he retired in 1992 after dedicated service to his community.
Romolo found joy in life's simple pleasures. He was known for baking fresh bread and his delicious banana bread, which he shared generously with family and friends. He took pride in tending his gardens and planting trees, creating beauty that would last for generations. His daily walks around town with his wife Maria were a cherished routine, and in his later years, they enjoyed traveling together to new places, including visiting lighthouses in Maine and exploring several destinations throughout Europe.
Music was a constant companion to Romolo, who particularly enjoyed listening to Johnny Cash and Kenny Rogers. He treasured his time spent with his friend Levi at his ranch, which reflected his deep appreciation for the outdoors and wildlife.
Romolo was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who always made time for his family. His gentle nature and steadfast presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Natividad Garcia, Arturo Coca, Jose A. Coca, and Ray J. Coca; nephews, Joey Owings and Baby Lawrence Garcia; nieces, Laura Rael, Barbara Gurule, and Alithea (Lisa) King; and son-in-law, Fidel J. Alirez Sr.
He is survived by his wife, Maria Coca; daughter, Josephine Alirez; son, Pablo Coca (Crystal); step-sons, Scot Clontz and Ryan Clontz (Nada); step-daughter, Erica Latimer (Cori); grandchildren, Joe F. Alirez (Angelica), Robert A. Alirez (Samantha), Geronimo R. Alirez, Pablo Coca Jr., Devon Lucero, Jaheim Lucero, Natalie Flores (K'Saun), and Savannah Lopez (Fabien); great-grandchildren, Lillian Alirez (Elijah), Joe Alirez III, Riley Alirez, Adalyn Alirez, Dreami Alirez, Ladrea Alirez, Aspen Alirez, and Elena Flores; brother, Jose C. Coca (Marcella); sisters, Connie Coca and Mary Coca; sisters-in-law, Viola Coca and Eileen Coca. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2025 and a Funeral Service will be held at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas, NM with the following serving as Pallbearers: Joe F. Alirez, Robert A. Alirez, Cristobal Coca, Joe F. Alirez III, Leopold Jaramillo, and Danny Rodriguez. Honorary Pallbearers are all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Interment will take place at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute and Meadows Home for their compassionate care of Romolo.
Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.
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