Pepe Romero

February 17, 1931 – September 10, 2022

Jose ‘Pepe’ Manuel Romero, 91, residing in Columbia, MD passed away peacefully on September 10, 2022, from natural causes after a long journey with dementia. Pepe, born on February 17, 1931, grew up in Buenos Aires, Zarate (Bajo Flores), Argentina and lived there until he married Rosa Maragliano in 1961. Soon after their marriage they immigrated to Washington, DC, United States in 1962.

Pepe had a great love for the game of soccer. He was a huge fan of his city’s team Boca Junior and took great pride in watching the National Team of Argentina play in the World Cup Championships. He played semi-pro soccer for the Italian Cadets and played in a senior league until the age of 65. His two favorite players of all time are Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.

Many marveled at his grilling skills. The meats were prepared with love and care, and he thoroughly enjoyed sharing a meal with family and friends (with a little vino and a lot bread, of course).

Pepe was a painter and wallpapering artist for most of his career. In his early career he worked for the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) remodeling homes for resale. Later he joined the IUPAT District Council #51 (Painters Union) and worked for Hudson-Shatz Painting Co. as a union painter until he retired. During his career he painted many Federal buildings, hotels, and homes in Washington DC. The Pentagon, FBI Building, and several foreign Embassies to name a few.

Pepe Romero will be dearly missed and always remembered. Everyone who knew Pepe knew how affectionate he was. He was full of joy and a real kid at heart. He loved making people laugh and always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. Pepe never met a stranger. He was an instant friend to all he met.

He is survived by Rosa Maragliano Romero and 3 grateful children, Robert Romero, Rossana Grant and Silvia Romero and his sister Pilar Lupiani. His grandchildren Tony Romero, Alicia Grant, Sarah Romero, Marisa Grant, Liam Romero and Daniel Niels. His Sons-in-law Bobby Grant and Mike Lampe. His nieces and nephews, Oscar Romero, Beatriz Blanco, Lidia Bonifacio, Graciela Gimenez, and Susana Entraigas, as well as countless great nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Antonina and Marcos, his beloved aunts Cirila and Maria, his brothers, Paco and, Lito, his sisters-in-law Luisa Blanco, Nelly Torlaschi, Juana Elsa Maragliano, Maria Aide Maragliano and Ramona Romero, his brothers-in-law Pepe Calla, Carlos Torlaschi , Nino Entraigas and his niece Irene Entraigas, his daughters- in-law, Lynn Beach and Cecilia Duquela.

Pepe's Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, September 18th 2022, from 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM at Owen Brown Interfaith Center, 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Honor of Pepe Romero to the Gilchrist Hospice Center, Foundation, Columbia MD <https://gilchristcares.org/>. The Gilchrist charity relies on donations to make a difference in the lives of the children and adults they serve. Every supporter becomes a part of our work and mission “To provide counseling, support and care to anyone with a serious illness, so they may live life to the fullest.”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.witzkefuneralhomes.com for the ROMERO family.