Leonard Walter "Len" Romero

October 10, 1938 - October 16, 2013

Passed away suddenly on October 16th, 2013, surrounded by his loving family, just six days after his 75th birthday. The first born son of Walter and Louise Klaus, Len was born on October 10, 1938, and raised in Santa Barbara where he attended local schools. A proud "Don," Len was a member of the SBHS class of '57. Leonard joined the United States Air Force in 1956. During his tour of duty, he was stationed in Texas, Germany and Greece. He was honorably discharged in 1960. Shortly after returning to Santa Barbara, he met Marjorie Perez. They were married on June 3rd, 1961. He is survived by Marge, his wife of 52 years; his sister, Jackie Hagen; three daughters: Cynthia "Cindy" Simentales, Jeanette "Nettie" Placencia, and Ramona "Moni" Ghan (Stefan); 10 grand children and 8 great-grandchildren, as well as a large extended family. He is preceded in death by his father, Walter Romero; mother, Louise Klaus; step-mother, Lillian Romero; and brother, Reggie Romero. Leonard's favorite activities included: riding his bike, tending to his garden and watching the Forty-Niners win! He could be seen around town in his signature wardrobe of Hawaiian shirts, shorts, sunglasses and sun visor. Leonard was known to those who loved him as "Len," "Gramps," and "Grumpy." Len retired in 2004 after serving 40+ years as a journeyman painter. Memorial services for Len will be held Friday, October 25th, at 10 AM, at Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapel in Goleta, immediately followed by graveside services at Calvary Cemetery. Reception to follow. Len's family requests that guests join them in "Len Attire," Hawaiian shirts and a sense of humor.