It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Orlando on June 11, 2025 in Las Vegas, NM.

Orlando had just graduated from Robertson High School and had plans to continue his education by joining the nursing program at Luna Community College. His plan was to become a registered nurse (RN) and start a nursing career. During High School he excelled in not only academically but also athletically in Football and Powerlifting. Orlando played football since he was six years old for the Las Vegas Outlaws, played all 4 years for the Robertson Football Team and was chosen to play on the Red Team for the 2024 All Star Football team which was hosted in Artesia, NM. He was a back-to-back State Champion in Powerlifting in his respective weight class. His powerlifting career extended far beyond the borders of New Mexico. He competed in San Diego at the national level, was planning to compete in Dallas later this year, and was invited to help coach the girls powerlifting team in Las Vegas, Nevada in July. In the 18 years of his life, he accomplished so much; more than most twice his age. No matter the situation, Orlando always had a smile on his face, always prepared with a joke or a prank, which is part of the reason he was loved by so many relatives and friends.

Orlando is preceded in death by his maternal great-grandparents Joe and Evelyn Rivera, Domingo and Dolores Ulibarri, Raphael and Sabina Benavidez, and his cousin Savannah Rubio.

He is survived by his mother Joelyn Sanchez, father Orlando Romero Sr. (Lisa), sister Mickaela Romero, nephew Lukes Romero, niece Mariana Romero, maternal grandparents Jeff and Darlene Esquibel, Margarito Ulibarri Sr (Elvia), uncles Margarito Ulibarri Jr. (Ashley), and Thomas Ulibarri, Aunt Martha Tapia (Amanda), Nina Michelle Villanueva, Nino Clyde Sanchez, Aunt Olympia (Curtis) and uncle Jimmy Villanueva. Paternal grandparents Rodolfo and Lorraine Romero, Aunt Yolanda Romero, Uncle Felix Romero, and other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Athletics were a big part of Orlando's life, so the family would also like to recognize his extended family of athletes and coaches of the SAF Powerlifting Team, Las Vegas Outlaws, the RHS Football Team, and countless friends.

He loved his nephew and niece very much, picked on them constantly, but that was part of their bond. Upon finishing his Confirmation next year, he was preparing to baptize his niece Mariana next year. They are still a little too young to realize the tragedy before us, but there is no doubt that they loved their "Cuncle Orly"

My memories of Orlando:

When I was asked to baptize Orlando; I right away said yes. No Hesitation. I was a little nervous in the beginning-but mostly honored. It was a privilege watching him grow up into the outstanding young man had become. He was always taking falls, getting bumps and bruises - typical boy- clumsy just like his mom. When he had his bike accident as a young child, I remember saying right away - just like his mother. A couple years ago we had a scare from another accident. We were told that he may never play football again. Seeing him lie there in bed in the ICU was awkward. He was always on the go from work to home, to school, to practice, to the gym, and sometimes even a second job. He was persistent and disciplined himself. He did physical therapy and was determined to play football again. He succeeded and went on to play his senior year. He didn't let his accident stop him. He was really an Old Soul who had a heart of Gold. He was such a good boy, always a smile on his face making jokes- usually the "short jokes" when it came to me and his sister. One of the last things he said to me was at his graduation party. He said, "I See they let kindergarteners out now". This still feels unreal and my heart hurts for his mom, sister, Lukes and Mariana. He adored them and was working towards Baptizing Mariana next year. He also was back-to-back Champion in his weight class and was part of the SAF Powerlifting team. My jito was the epitome of SAF- not only was he strong when lifting; he was strong in his heart, and his mind. His time on Earth was definitely cut short, but the legacy he left behind is unmatched - he touched so many people during his life. He truly lived each day like his last, he was confident, knew what he wanted to do in life and knew who he was. Most people don't have that figured out, but he did. Although too short, there are not enough words to describe his incredible life and the number of people he touched. I'm sure I have missed something, but all I can say is that my jito is with my grandma in Heaven now and he has shown me that we cannot live this life with regrets and to pursue what we love. I love you Gordo, and I always will. I will always be here for your mom, Micka and the kids.

Rosary service will be recited on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 6:00pm. Funeral mass will be conducted on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 9:00am both services will be held at Immaculate Conception with Father Dennis Garcia as celebrant Pallbearers will be Cameron Padilla, Darren Villanueva, Brandon Morales, Demario Gallegos, Dominic Mascarenas, Lucas Lucero, Isaiah Martinez and Jose Bachicha. Honorary Pallbearers will be Orlando Romero Sr., Jeff Esquibel, SAF Powerlifting Team, Las Vegas Outlaws Football and RHS Football Team and Coaches. Cremation will take place after services and burial of cremains will be held at a later date at the San Jose Cemetery in Las Vegas, NM.

Arrangements are entrusted under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM, 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.

If sending the family, a sympathy card via our online service, you may mail it directly to the family by clicking "Send to Family Address".