Criss E. Romero, 92, of Superior, AZ, passed away peacefully in his own home on July 5, 2023, the day of his beloved wife, Mary's, birthday. Criss was born on December 17, 1930 in Pecos, New Mexico to parents Melisendro, better known as Jose, and Matiana (Ortiz) Romero. In 1939, Jose found a job in Superior and the family relocated to the area.

Criss attended Superior Public Schools and joined the U.S. Army in 1946. After serving in the military, Criss returned to New Mexico to find work. It was there in Santa Fe where he met his future   wife, Mary Fernandez. He and Mary were married in 1951 and Mary blessed him with 2 beautiful sons together they built a good home to raise their family. Criss made his living working for Magma Copper Company for 31 years followed by working for the Pinal County Sheriffs Department and Homeland Security, where he worked for 10 years.

Criss was very proud of his family's military service. Like Criss, his father and brothers also served their country with honor and courage and they all volunteered. Beginning with World War I and up to the Vietnam War, the Romero's were involved in every major conflict of the United States.

Criss was a devout Catholic. He held religion high. He was an altar boy in Pecos as well as Superior. He attended Mass weekly until the pandemic. He watched the Catholic Mass daily on TV up until his passing. He was active in the St. Francis Parish, helped Father during Mass well into his later years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Criss was an avid rock collector with museum quality pieces on display. He enjoyed looking at his rock collection every day. He also enjoyed automobiles, especially classic cars. His dream care was the GTO Judge which was basically a race car. He settled for the regular GTO which he purchased in 1969. He was proudly featured with a photo of him and his GTO in the Arizona Republic in the 1990's. Criss was a lifelong poker player and loved playing with his family.

Criss is preceded in death by his parents Jose and Matiana, sisters Vangie, Maria, Antonia, Herlinda and Teresa, brothers Jose, Pitacio, Silviano and Melisendro, and by his beloved wife, Mary, whom passed away in 2021.

Criss is survived by his sons David (Alfreda Tsosie) and Criss, Jr. (John Melichar). His sister Eulalia Maldonado, his sister-in-law Juanita Valdez, and his one and only granddaughter, Avenicia Romero. He also leaves behind numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and all those who were blessed to know and love him.