Chief Petty Officer TMC (SS) Romeo Oscar Collazo (U.S. Navy, Retired)

Chief Petty Officer TMC (SS) Romeo Oscar Collazo, U.S. Navy, Retired passed away in San Antonio on December 18, 2014 at the age of 79. He grew up in Laredo, Texas among a loving family that included 9 brothers and one sister. He began his service to our Country on May 26, 1954. His first tour at sea was to Korea on the USS Howard W. Gilmore (A-S16), then returned to Groton Connecticut to attend Submarine School. He was sent to the USS Trutta (SS-421) in Key West, Florida. He was then assigned to the USS Robert E. Lee (SSBN-601). He was on the original crew making him a Plank Holder as he also was on the next 2 submarines. The USS Von Steuben (SSBN-632) was his next home, quickly rising in rank and training. His last deployment was on the USS Mariano G. Vallejo (SSBN-658). He was Chief of the Boat which earned him the most respectable title afforded to an enlisted man (COB). He was also stationed at Pomflant Weapons Station in Charleston, SC and then returned to Texas as a Naval Recruiter. He earned the following commendations; China Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (numerous), National Defense Service Medal (Bronze Star), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Lebanon), Letter of Commendation – U.S. Navy Recruiting Center San Antonio, Meritorious Unit Commendation and finally a Gold Wreath Award for Excellence. Among his most prestigious honors are being a member of the Shellbacks and Golden Dragons. Ask a Navy Sailor. He retired from the military in August 1978 and made San Antonio his home; after his military service, he worked 20 years for USAA. He was a BAMC Retiree Activity Group Member, Knights of Columbus member, Baseball and Football Coach, and active member of various Parish organizations.

He was preceded in death by his parents Gerardo and Manuela (Garcia) Collazo; granddaughter Kristen Collazo; brothers Pedro, Rodolfo, Ignacio, Jose, Jorge, Luis Manuel and sister Trine. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Irma Q. Collazo; children Ana Collazo Ortega, Romeo Oscar Collazo, Jr. (wife Sharon), Jerry Collazo (wife Tracey); grandchildren Anthony Ortega,, Robert Ortega, Joshua Collazo, MM2 (SS) Christopher Collazo, Chelsea Collazo, Jordan Collazo, and Nicholas Ortega; great grandchild Caden Collazo; brothers Robert Collazo, Raul Collazo, Fernando Collazo; numerous nieces, nephews and loved ones. Visitation will be Monday, December 22, 2014 at Colonial Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. with a Rosary being recited at 7:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Interment with military honors will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.