Alberto Romero Jr.

Alberto Romero Jr., 39, of Tampa died tragically on January 8th in Havana, Cuba. His mother, Ofelia Angela Perez, preceded him in death. He is survived by his partner of fifteen years Dr. Jeremy Bowers, his father Alberto Romero Sr., his sister Elena Davis, his brothers José Romero and Richard Romero, and their families. Alberto was born in Jersey City, NJ on October 6, 1975 and moved to Tampa at age 5. He attended Keith Country Day School in Rockford, IL and graduated from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2001. He began his career with Gulf Coast Legal Services in 2002 then moved into private practice. In 2011 he opened his own firm. He was Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Marital & Family Law, the highest level of evaluation for a lawyer. His friends knew him for his quick intellect, sly wit, and boyish smile. An evening spent with Alberto and Jeremy was certain to sparkle, filled with smart conversation on topics ranging from the serious to the absurd. He laughed often, and well. His passion for work was a deep part of his character. He advocated fiercely for his clients during the most difficult and stressful of times. He listened to their fears and their hopes with compassion and understanding. Among his colleagues, he was known for his hard work and search for solutions that treated all parties with dignity. A few of his clients became his friends and he continued to play a part in helping them find happiness and fulfillment in their lives. As to his colleagues, he made them better lawyers, better people, and better friends. All who knew him loved him for the style and elegance he brought to his dress, home, and extensive travels. But his heart was the most elegant thing about Alberto – generous, inclusive, and warm. It was that warmth joined with deep curiosity that led him to return in recent months to the homeland of his parents. He loved Cuba for what it said about his family’s past and about its future. His love of family was at the core of Alberto’s life, and that love will illuminate his memory and live on in those who loved him so deeply in return. Although the tragic circumstances of his passing will be a source of sorrow for those who knew him, it will also provide the inspiration to follow his example in pursuit of a better tomorrow. A memorial service and celebration of his life for family and friends will take place at the Tampa Garden Club at 2:00 pm on Sunday, January 25th.