San Juan Romero

San Juan C. Romero, 83, of Ft. Wright, KY passed away on January 24th, 2015 at his residence. San Juan served in the United States Air Force, where he began his career in Air Traffic, and was a veteran of the Korean War. As a child San Juan imagined flying cars and later thrived in Air Traffic Control. San Juan rose through the ranks and was the Chief Air Traffic Controller at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport for 14 years (1976-90). He was multitalented. Throughout his life and career, he was an avid sports fan, playing, coaching and refereeing baseball, basketball, bowling and tennis. He finally retired from the Federal Aviation Administration in 1990 following a distinguished career of nearly 40 years. He received numerous honors and awards throughout his career including hosting US Presidents and Air Force One at the Cincinnati Airport. San Juan was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and several historical societies. He was chairman of the American GI Forum and the Greater Cincinnati Federal Executive Board. After retirement, San Juan continued to actively serve his community. He was a Spanish interpreter for local, state and federal court for 20 years. Additionally, San Juan served on the Northern Kentucky Medical Board, the Northern Kentucky Education Board, and the Fort Wright Ethics Committee. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Kathleen Romero of Ft. Wright; his children, Teresa A. DeJohn, Dr. Michael F. Romero, and Gail J. Romero-Baker; his step-children, David M. Rice, and Teresa L. Rice. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Justin Miller; Megan and Brandi Baker; Phinea, Zaria, and Elijah Romero; Marcel Rice; and his great-grandson, Jaxon Miller. Visitation will be on Tuesday January 27th, 2015 from 4-7PM at Linnemann Funeral Homes in Erlanger. On Wednesday January 28th there will be a short prayer service at the funeral home at 9:25AM followed by a procession and graveside service at Highland Cemetery in Ft. Mitchell, KY. In lieu of flowers, memorials to: Wounded Warrior Project 230 W Monroe Street Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60606 or Honor Flight Tri-state 8627 Calumet Way Cincinnati, OH 45249. Online condolences to: www.linnemannfuneralhomes.com.