Frederick Paul Romero left this earth on March 26, 2021 at his home in Lacey, Washington surrounded by his wife of 39 years, Sandra, daughter Zoe and son Noel Marshall. Born in California in 1942 to Theresa Genovese and Fredrick Romero, Fred was raised in South Pasadena where he played Little and Middle League Baseball. He learned to swim at his family cabin on Lake Gregory in the mountains of San Bernardino and to surf at 19th Street in Newport Beach.

As a teen he attended South Pasadena High School where he lettered in basketball, in baseball (SS) and football (QB) and graduated in the top 10 of the Class of 1960. He was an Eagle Scout in Troop 369. In college and beyond he was a true Renaissance man; a scholar and an athlete. He was a Stanford graduate (1964). Joined the Peace Corps (1964-1966) in Peru. He received a Masters of Education at the University of Arizona where he was a Fulbright Scholar in Tuebingen, West Germany. After receiving his Masters he went to the University of Oregon where he earned a PhD in German Literature. Fred spoke fluent Spanish and German.

He ran marathons, and bicycled from his home on the Chehalis Western Trail. He and his daughter Zoe biked the Seattle to Portland (STP) and the Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party (RSVP). He and his stepson Noel rarely missed a Seattle Sounders home game. Fred's love for his family was unconditional. He cherished the moments and memories with family and was a very proud parent. His commitment to his friends and brothers was legendary in the family. He kept in close touch with eight of his Stanford Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity brothers and they would go on a sailing trip every summer. Sailing, and being on the water was always a part of his life. He was an active member of the THEM hiking group and looked forward to hiking each week. 

Fred and his wife Sandra bought an old ruin of a home in Mazatlan, Mexico where they spent years making it livable enough to spend winters there. A true labor of love.

Fred retired from state government as a Legislative Liaison for numerous state agencies and retired from State Parks. He made the most of his retirement by traveling the world from Borneo to the Galapagos with his wife and playmate Sandra. The family misses his infectious smile. He would point out he never had a cavity. He will be remembered for his charm, good looks, athleticism, humility, generosity, and love of life.

Fred is survived by his wife, Sandra, daughter Zoe Romero of Salt Lake City, Utah, stepson Noel Marshall and his wife Sara and grands Carbon Marshall and Dio Lewis of Olympia, Washington, and his brother Don (SPHS '61) and wife Kathy Romero of Hilo, Hawaii. He is also survived by his first cousin Kathy Garafalo Burton (SPHS '51) and other loved cousins.

Sandra Romero, May 6, 2021

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Fred Romero

April 14, 1942 - March 26, 2021

Fred, our friend and classmate, passed away while at his home in Lacey, Washington. At SPHS, he was a student-athlete. His accomplishments included the academic honor roll and membership in the Bengals service group. Athletically, he played football, basketball, and baseball. In 1959, he played on the CIF-Championship football team. He was an American Field Service (AFS) student.

In 1960, he was one of five SPHS students accepted to Stanford University. While there, he studied abroad in Germany. Later, he earned a PhD in Spanish.

He and his wife, Sandra, lived in Lacey, Washington. Fred served in a number of positions in the Washington State government.

We will miss his friendship and the signature smile which he bestowed on everyone.

Randy Wilson '60