Roy Romo

Roy was preceded in death by his brother, Robert, and his sister, Jane. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, son, Tod (Catherine), two step-grand children Ray (Rachel) and Kristen, and his sister, Alice, numerous nieces and nephews and their families, as well as his basketball buddy, Grasshopper.

Roy was born on May 1, 1930 in San Antonio, TX to Anastacio and Dolores Romo. Roy graduated from Fox Tech in 1948, after which he entered the US Navy where he served on the USS Navasota and the USS Lipan. He was honorably discharged with the rank of SK3. He then graduated from San Antonio College and attended St. Mary’s University. Roy spent more than 50 years working in the local media, including KEEZ, KENS, and 30 years at KSAT. In November of 1958, he married Cynthia, and raised one son, Tod.

Roy was an accomplished salesman who could talk himself into and out of virtually any situation. During his recent hospital stay, he made a valiant attempt at a bi-lingual talking filibuster but ultimately passed in spite of this effort. He enjoyed all aspects of the media though, especially TV, and would mobilize his whole family in the production of a commercial. He never lost his directorial eye, often pointing out better backgrounds, lighting, or framing, regardless of whether or not it was wanted.

Roy had a passion for photography throughout his life. He was on the yearbook staff in high school and eventually became a skilled amateur photographer who also enjoyed working in the darkroom. Roy had a love of aviation and never missed the opportunity to combine these two passions with a snapshot of the belly of a passing airplane, building an expansive collection of such photos.

Roy was a Korean War veteran and in the Ionizing Radiation Registry. While serving aboard the USS Lipan, he participated in operation “Ivy”, the hydrogen bomb testing at Enewitok. In addition to exposure to the blast, his ship performed surveys of the site and was exposed to contaminated water. A story he often recounted was how his ship was not allowed to dock at Pearl Harbor afterwards because of the high level of contamination. He continued to love all things naval or nautical and was a member of the National Association of Fleet Tug Sailors.

Roy always had a love of sports. He was the co-captain of the football team in high school, and loved to watch games through the rest of his life. He also loved to watch the Spurs. His yelling at the TV when they lost the ball surely echoed throughout the neighborhood, but he also yelled in delight when they won. Golf was the sport he loved to play. He spent countless hours on the golf course or at the driving range, and many more washing and sorting the balls he fished out of the water hazards along the way. Roy won several local amateur tournaments and religiously attended the Texas Open through his media sponsorships.

Roy loved classical music. He was known to throw on an opera album and walk around the house pretending to be a famous tenor. From vinyl, to 8-track, to cassette, classical recordings were never far away. When the TV wasn’t on a football game, the sounds of classical music would waft through the house and yard as he did his chores or worked on his hobbies. Even very late in life, he would fall asleep listening to a local classical radio station. He was a self-taught harmonica player who was never shy to whip it out and delight (or traumatize) a captive audience. He loved to boast that he couldn’t really play an instrument, but he did “play a mean radio”.

Roy was always the life of the party. Friends would call to see if he was going to attend a function, because it was sure to be fun with him there. He delighted in practical jokes and zingers, and delighted equally in being zinged back. His favorites were undoubtedly those that were delivered with seriousness and made you stop and think for a moment to realize the joke. This is the thing about him that those he met will remember the most: his joy and his humor.

Roy, in his later years, was adopted by a furry companion, Barney (cat), who wondered into the yard and into his life. The two became inseparable buddies. Roy provided him a warm lap in a recliner, and Barney taught him the intricacies of quality napping and begging for treats. They entered old age together, supporting one another as the naps grew longer and getting out of the chair became more difficult.

In the end, both left us and will be sorely missed. Roy’s legacy is that he touched those around him and instilled in them some of his passions, but also encouraged them to go beyond his limits.