Arthur “Moochie” Pungas Romero Jr. was born on March 23, 1956, and raised in Superior, Arizona, a place he loved deeply. Superior was more than the town he called home, it was part of who he was, woven into his memories, his work, his creativity, and the way he understood the world. On September 2, 2026, our father passed away surrounded by his family.

Arthur was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Helen Romero; his father, Arthur Pungas Romero Sr.; his sisters, Bernice Lechuga and Mary Kennedy; and his beloved granddaughters, Angelica Arrieta and Marissa Arrieta. And his great grandson Xavier Licano .

He leaves behind his seven children: Antoinette Romero, Maryhelen Romero, Josephine Romero, Son Romero, April Romero, Felix Garcia—affectionately known as “Dugga”—and his stepdaughter, Jennifer York. He was also blessed with 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.

Of all the names he carried throughout his life, his greatest and most cherished title was “Tata.” It was a name that reflected the love, comfort, and lasting presence he gave to his family, and it was the title he held with the most pride.

One of his greatest accomplishments was raising our nephew, Dugga, as his own son. Dugga grew into a brilliant, responsible, and kind young man and became the valedictorian of his graduating class, an achievement that brought our dad tremendous joy and pride. I remember my dad telling me at Duggas graduation, “Now my work is done here “.

Our dad was a copper miner, a protector, and a loyal friend to many. He was tough when life demanded it, funny when laughter was needed, and generous even when he had little to give. He was always willing to help someone in need, even if it meant giving away his last dollar. He had the prettiest eyes, a gift he passed down through generations of our family, and his famous words, “¿Qué no?!” will forever bring a smile to those who knew him.

He was at one with the tierra of Superior. He saw beauty and possibility in the desert and found purpose in the things others might overlook. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, collecting rocks, and searching for Apache tears. With his hands and imagination, he transformed what he found into something meaningful.

He made jewelry, painted artwork—often directly onto every wall in his home—and created treasures from the land around him. Snakeskin headbands, walking sticks, jewelry, and paintings all became expressions of his creativity. He could turn almost anything into art because he had a gift for seeing what it could become.

Growing up with our dad meant growing up surrounded by nearly every kind of animal you could imagine. His deep love for gamefowl was passed down through generations, and he carried that tradition with tremendous pride before passing it down to his own son, Arthur Pungas Romero lll (SON) It was another part of the heritage he held close and another way he remained connected to the land and to those who came before him. To those who knew that part of his heart, he will forever be remembered as El Rey de los Gallos.

Arthur “Moochie” Romero was a man of the land, an artist, a protector, and a fighter until the very end. He was a man who gave freely, loved fiercely, and left his mark on the people and the place that mattered most to him.

His strength, creativity, humor, generosity, and fighting spirit will live on in each and every member of his family. His legacy will be carried in the stories we tell, the traditions we continue, the beauty we find in unexpected places, and the love he gave us as our father and Tata.