Romeo Joaquin Lombo
3/26/1946 - 1/4/2021
Celebrating the Life of Romeo
On behalf of the Lombo family, we thank you for joining Romeo’s virtual memorial service and celebration of life on January 23, 2021. A replay of the service is available below for those who were unable to attend or who would like to revisit the beautiful memories shared live.
We also invite you to post your memories of Romeo in our Guest Book. If you would like to contact the family privately, please contact Veronica at mvclombo@gmail.com.
Order of Service
Greeting and Introduction — Chris Downey
Opening Prayer — Rev. Efrain Flores, Pastor St. Joseph Catholic Church
Remembrances — Vince “Bong” Regala, Gloria Lombo Chen
Slideshow
Remembrances — Vicky Lombo Northup, Veronica Lombo
Slideshow
Remembrances — Grandchildren (Mason Chen, Drake Chen, Lenox Chen, Owen Northup, Evan Northup)
Open Remembrances
Introduction to Salamat Sa Iyo — Vince “Bong” Regala
Salamat Sa Iyo Open Singalong
Closing Prayer — Rev. Efrain Flores
Reception
Obituary
Romeo “Romy” Joaquin Lombo, husband of Nenita “Nellie” Collado Lombo, died aged 74, on January 4, 2021 at 7:53pm from complications due to COVID-19. He passed peacefully at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, CA surrounded by love and held by family members, while his favorite Elvis songs played in the background.
Romeo was born on March 26, 1946 in Hermosa, Bataan, Philippines, the only son and youngest child of Hilaria Joaquin Lombo and Elizeo Lombo. His father passed when he was nearly a baby, so his mother raised him with the help of her sister, Julie, and his older sister, Mely.
In school, Romeo played saxophone in the marching band. During a phone conversation with his daughter Veronica, he recalled that some of his fondest memories as a child were watching movies on the public television in the town square. He also told her a story about walking barefoot for hours with his friends to go to the mountain to pick fruits. He was so poor he could not afford shoes, but that didn’t stop him from having fun and enjoying life.
In order to support his family, Romeo began working at the age of 16. In lieu of college, he attended trade school to become a carpenter. Years later, he left his hometown of Hermosa and moved to the island of Guam to work for his uncle Pantaleon Vicente’s construction company. Romeo relished in the disco age and embraced bell bottoms and dancing. While in Guam, he met the love of his life, Nellie Collado, in 1973. When asked by his daughter, Veronica, how he knew he wanted to marry her, Romeo replied, “Some things you just know, Vee.” Nellie and Romeo wed in Manila in 1974.
They gave birth to their first daughter, Gloria, in the Philippines in 1974 and their second, Victoria, in Guam in 1976. After discovering that Vicky was born with a thyroid condition, they traveled to Detroit, MI, where Nellie’s sister Mila lived so that Vicky could receive medical treatment as an infant. Shortly thereafter, Romeo and Nellie moved to southern California to be closer to members of Romeo’s extended family and live in warmer weather. His youngest daughter, Veronica, was born in California in 1986.
Romeo spent most of his career as a skilled carpenter at Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, from which he retired in 2012. He was renowned for designing and building nursing stations at the hospital where everyone knew his name, his warm heart, and his smile.
A proud and involved father, Romeo was determined to provide for his family and give them opportunities he didn’t have and the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world. He often helped his daughters with their homework, making sure their handwriting was perfect and their numbers were placed in the correct place value columns. He also enjoyed chaperoning their school field trips, attending their extracurricular activities, and taking them out to eat after school. When asked months before his passing about his regrets in life, he said he had none — being father to three beautiful and accomplished daughters brought him happiness beyond words.
Romeo was one of the founding members of the Hermosa Bataan Association of California, an organization dedicated to keeping the spirit of Hermosa alive since 1977. He served as President from 1989 to 1990 and received the Dugong Hermosa Award in 1999. Romeo was proud of being from Hermosa and proud of his Filipino heritage. He took pleasure in sharing Filipino food and culture with all those who knew him. He loved watching TFC (The Filipino Channel) and telling his daughters which celebrities were Filipino.
For many years, it was Romeo’s Saturday morning ritual to go for an oceanside jog in Newport Beach and pick up crabs from the local fish market for Nellie to cook at home. He had a black belt in Kung Fu, enjoyed playing tennis, and liked watching NBA games and cheering on his favorite team, the LA Lakers.
He was also an adoring lolo (grandfather) to five grandchildren: Mason, Owen, Drake, Evan and Lenox. When his grandkids spent the night at his house, Lolo gave them full rein of the television and bought them McDonald’s and treats from the ice cream truck. He loved seeing them eat Filipino food like lumpia and spam and rice.
As a man of faith, Romeo worked hard to send his children to Catholic school and attended rosaries with his family on weekends. He spent the last fifteen years of his life serving as a Eucharistic minister and assistant sacristan at St. Joseph Church, which he considered an honor and a blessing.
Everyone who knew Romeo remembers him for his radiant smile, love of storytelling, welcoming demeanor, and sense of humor.
Romeo is predeceased by his father Elizeo; his mother Hilaria; and his three sisters, Mercedes, Lucia, and Carmelita.
He is survived by his wife, Nenita; by their daughters, Gloria Lombo Chen, Victoria Lombo Northup, and Maria Veronica Lombo; and sons-in-law Anthony C. Chen, Geoffrey Michael Northup, and James Henry Winslow; and by their grandchildren, Mason Julia Chen, Owen Lombo Northup, Drake Anthony Chen, Evan Michael Northup, and Lenox Paige Chen.
Salamat Sa Iyo
By Vince "Bong" Regala
Salamat sa iyo literally means “thanks to you” in Tagalog. It is a song of praise, expressing thanks that is beyond measure, in appreciation of God’s unconditional love. This song is a favorite among Hermosa prayer groups that is typically sung at the end of the rosary. Romy loved this song.
Eulogies
By Vince "Bong" Regala
Ating ipagdasal, kapatid nating namatay,
Romeo Lombo ng Burgos-Soliman.
I would like to thank the family for giving me the honor of speaking about Romy. I find it sad and disheartening, that this pandemic is depriving Romy of a traditional and personal remembrance that he deserves. If these were normal times, this memorial will be packed with people because Romy is respected and loved by so many.
We have lost a good friend in Romy. But the grief we feel pales in comparison to the sorrow of Nel who has lost a loving husband… Ria, Vicky and Veronica who have lost a caring father, and the grandchildren Mason, Drake, Lenox, Owen and Evan who have lost a super hero. Our hearts are deeply bruised, because he touched us with his humility and humanity. Our only solace now is to keep his presence in our memories.
Romeo Joaquin Lombo was born in Hermosa, Bataan, on March 26th, 1946. He and older sister Mely were children to Eliseo Lombo and Hilaria Joaquin. Romy grew up without his father who passed away early. They did not have much, so even at a young age Romy was compelled to help provide for his family. He joined the local community band so he could help put food on the table. And since going to college was not an option, he went to a vocational school to learn a trade. He worked in construction for several years until he was recruited by his uncle who was a contractor in Guam. He worked there for a few years, met Nellie, and got married.
Just like the stories of other first generation Filipino immigrants, Romy’s story was no different. He and Nel left Guam to pursue a better life in America. Their first years were underscored by struggles and challenges. Romy continued doing carpentry work, a field, I must say, that was thrust upon him, not by choice, but out of necessity. But with hard work and tenacity, he excelled at his field, achieving not only success but respect, recognition, and gratitude. Romy and Nel remained undaunted and unshakeable in their dream to give their children a better life than theirs. And I firmly believe…they resoundingly achieved that goal!
Romy was a happy man with a good sense of humor! One of my favorite Romy story was when he went back to Hermosa for a vacation. He took home two boxes of pasalubong. The news spread like wildfire that he had arrived. They all rushed to Romy’s house, dead set on picking whatever goodie they could get their hands on. Romy untied and opened the boxes and…one by one, the California t-shirts, the shoes, the corned beef, the M and Ms, the soap bars, and other items were quickly snatched away. And when the smoke cleared, one slow elderly neighbor came… but Romy had nothing left to give him. Romy said, “Aruy Tata Inggo paano ba yan, naubos ng lahat ang pasalubong, itong tali na lang ang natira.” But the old man quickly said, “Oh di yan na lang tali ang ibigay mo sa akin,” which Romy gladly obliged, with a big laugh! Romy’s candy store had closed, but everybody in the whole neighborhood was happy, including the neighbor, who found use for the rope as a tether for his carabao. That…was pure, vintage Romy! His core being was always defined by his big, generous, and giving heart!
Romy was a helpful person who always found time for others. I am only one of the many recipients of his free and personalized service. He helped install my bathroom glass door, helped build my patio, and other carpentry work. To this day, I’m sure, you can still find Romy’s imprints in many Hermosa households.
When Romy left, a significant piece of us was sadly taken away because Romy represented the best in us. He embodied our good Hermosa values… like love of family, devotion to our faith, altruism, humility, and decency.
As we say goodbye to Romy, let us thank him for having brightened our lives, with his love and friendship. As we say goodbye to Romy, let us honor him by not allowing his humanity to get lost in time and be forgotten.
So goodbye Romy… have a happy and wonderful reunion with your family. Feel…at last, the tender embrace of your Tatang Eliseo, Nang Yayang, and Ating Mely. But best of all, cherish a beginning of eternal rest, peace, joy, and glory with our Lord. We love you… and we will miss you dearly.
By Gloria Lombo Chen
Thank you all for coming today. My Dad would have been really pleased to see so many of you here. He always did like celebrations and it is right that, on this day, of all days, we are celebrating him and his life.
I admired my Dad on so many levels. As a father to a daughter he guided me down a righteous path, not only showing me the way but living it as well.
He would call me several times a week and the phone conversations always started with “Hi Dad, Hi Ri. How are you?” Then we would continue with family news. From there, my Dad would always ask how people in my life were doing. He always cared about others before himself.
If I needed to learn the act of giving I just needed to watch my dad.
When my Dad would go on trips to his homeland, the Philippines, he always brought gifts “pasalubongs” for his friends and family. He would empty out his closet. As my Aunt would say “your Dad was friends with everyone. He never had an enemy.” He would arrive with a full suitcase and come home with just the clothes he was wearing.
If I wanted to know the right thing to do, I only had to see my dad live his life.
He worked hard from a young age. “We came to the United States so you and your sisters can have better lives” he would say. As children, going to a university was always a given. It wasn’t something you questioned. My sisters and I were brought up to do well in school so we could be more successful than the last generation. Today, my husband Tony and I have continued to teach that message to our three children.
My Dad instilled in me so many great qualities, he especially taught all of us kindness. Pretty much anybody who encountered him could always see that there was still good left in the world. He was always smiling and everyone knew him as a jokester who was always willing to help someone in need.
I loved my Dad, and he knew it but I don’t think he knew how much he and our relationship meant to me. Let me just say, it meant the world to me. Without a doubt, my Dad was taken too soon. It devastated and shocked us all. But we can, we are and we will take comfort in the love that we share for each other as a family and that, my dad died with no regrets, a very loved man.
If you’re fortunate enough to be here with your dad, hug him, tell him you love him. If he’s not here with you, after this, call him. If your father has passed as mine has then feel every ounce of love he has surrounded you with.
Dad please watch over us. We miss you. Mahal kita.
By Vicky Lombo Northup
One of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was the gift of education. They sent me and my sisters to Catholic school because they wanted us to learn about Jesus’ love. The elementary school that we attended, St. Joseph, stressed that a child’s primary teacher was their parent, and my dad, along with my mom, took on that role. Although he himself did not have the opportunity to have a formal education, he instilled in my sisters and I lessons that we would use throughout our lives.
Through my dad’s modeling and tough love, we learned to work hard and have pride in our work. I remember him measuring the plexiglass and wood carefully when he built cabinets around our house or for other projects he completed for others. Before he played kickball with us after school, he helped me practice my handwriting. I remember him erasing a whole line of cursive l’s because they didn’t look like the model and didn’t have enough space between them. Despite the tears I shed on those days, his insistence on perfection paid off, as people often compliment me on my neat writing to this day.
My dad also had a knack for remembering people’s names, which was helpful in cultivating relationships. One of his favorite activities was walking along the boardwalk at Newport Beach and then buying crabs afterwards. He befriended his favorite crab monger, Crabby Steve, and was able to relay his life story to me. Or, we’d run into people around town, and my dad would greet them by name, and always ask how they were doing, even if he had only met them a couple of times. I’m not sure how he remembered people’s names so well, but I’m grateful that I inherited this ability from him; it helps me as a teacher with over 70 students a year.
He was also known for his sense of humor. Despite having three daughters, he did not deprive us of his fart jokes. At a young age, I learned what “pull my finger” meant. And one thing he told us was to never take responsibility for passing gas.
But, seriously, he always stressed the importance of family. When my sisters and I would argue, he would remind us not to do so, we’re family and we should always stick together. And, he was right, my sisters are my confidants and support system. I know they will help me, give me honest feedback, and love me unconditionally. I think he would be proud of us for working together and supporting each other during these difficult times.
Dad, I want you to know that I’m proud of you. You’ve taught me the value of hard work, treating others kindly, and putting our family first. I love you and will miss you greatly.
By Veronica Lombo
Dear Dad,
A few months ago Henry and I were interviewed on podcast and the host asked me if I currently had a teacher. I said “No,” but that I learned from people and situations around me. If I could answer that question again, I would say that you are and have been my greatest teacher.
As a child, you taught me how to do the Sunday morning word search in the newspaper.
You used your Kung fu skills and taught me how to block and do chicken kicks and side kicks.
From a young age, you taught me how to use a hammer, a drill, a philips screwdriver, and a flathead.
Each time you squeezed me, smell kissed my face, and said “Bee, I lab you so much!” you taught me how to express love.
You picked me up from school everyday. You sat through my gymnastics and cheer practices. You came to my yoga classes and always set up in the back corner, giving me a thumbs up or a wink. You even watched my online meditations and messaged “Good job Vee” usually followed by a long string of emojis. Through all these, you were there for me and you taught me the value of consistency and unwavering support.
When I got stressed out, you’d say, “Bee. You have to relax. Take it easy.”
When driving in the car, you’d often turn to me at a red light, flash me a thumbs up and a smile and say “Cool man!” or “Bitchen!”
When Uncle Mario passed, I said that I was sad and I felt like Mom was too. You said “Yeah it’s sad. Healing takes time. Day by day.”
When we arrived at the hospital on the day you died, the ER nurse, Christine, told me how sweet you were and how your last words were, “Thank you.” Through this, you have reminded me of the importance of gratitude even in the most difficult of moments. Each morning when I wake up, I think of you, and the first words I say in my head and aloud, are “Thank you.”
That night, I held your hand, played your favorite Elvis songs, and watched you take your last breath. In your passing, you showed me peace and surrender.
So many friends and family have gathered to pray and to express support and in this you have shown me that love is all around me if I choose to receive it.
When I read or hear memories people have shared about you, you have shown me how one person can have a profound effect on many people’s lives.
You taught me that ultimately some things are out of our control and always said “When it’s your turn, it’s your turn.”
I guess it was your turn. My heart hurts that you are no longer with us in physical form, but I know that you are here and that your spirit will continue to live on.
When I pick tangerines and give them away to loved ones, you give.
When I make rice and measure it with my finger just like you taught me, you make rice.
When I dance the hanky panky, the electric slide, or the cha cha, you dance.
When I sing in the shower or the car or use the karaoke machine, you sing.
When I wear sweatpants, you wear sweatpants.
When I laugh, you laugh.
And when I smile, you smile.
Thank you for the blessing of being your daughter and for the opportunity to be a part of your life.
I love you.
Vee
PS. I miss you. You always said, “Life isn’t always good time, good time. There are sad times. But when there is a sad time, be happy because the good time is coming.”
By Boy Vicente
Share Your Memories
Reading about your fondest memories of our dad brings joy and healing to our hearts. Please share them below.
Maraming salamat po.
Love,
Ria, Vicky, and Veronica
I found it curious and admirable how Uncle Romy always found the good qualities in people. I would come home from work, exhausted from the long day, and I would see him sitting on the kitchen table. The first thing he would say is “looking good Vince. You get a haircut? You working out? Let me have some of those muscles.” Those small affirmations meant a lot to me.
Uncle Romy valued creating genuine relationships and connections. Way back in high school my friends met Uncle Romy at a family function, and later at a church event. Upon meeting them I almost immediately knew he would welcome them with open arms and treat them like family. Some years passed, my friends and I went on to different universities, made other friends, and stopped coming by as often. But whenever I saw Uncle Romy he would ask “How is friend A and B doing? What are they up to now? Tell them I said hi.” It caught me off guard. He hadn’t seen them in so long, yet he was talking about them like it was only yesterday.
I believe that people come into your life to unconsciously teach, support, and challenge you. Uncle Romy knew how to live life with genuine authenticity and vigor. His life is a shining example of how to live life with love, how to genuinely care for each other unconditionally, and always take the opportunity to show your gratitude to those you care about.
Thank you for the lessons and examples you’ve taught me, Uncle Romy. You will be extremely missed, but know you are always loved.
I love you,
Vincent
I miss Romy so much.A very good father,son,brother and
I will miss the messenger chats that we had sending me jokes and prayers.He sa he is a Eucharistic minister.I told him he will go to heaven kasi mabait siya.I will miss his happy face,his jokes.I know heaven gained another angel
Romy pray for us as we pray for you.Hug Jojo and Kuya Susing for me.Rest in peace with the Lord.
we love you and will miss you.
love, rosario and joseph
Love always,
AL, Christine and kids
He really liked food too. Whenever I was home, I would sometimes see him picking up Uncle Edong to go out to eat together or he would come over and Uncle Edong would cook them up Maruchan Instant Noodles. He would sometimes ask me to go out to eat with him but I would always be busy with something. However, one day I took him up on his offer and went with Uncle Edong, Vincent, and him to eat at The Crab Cooker in Tustin. He was happy that we were able to go and spend time with him.
I remember as a little kid whenever I would go to Sunday Mass, I would get excited seeing Uncle Romy serve as one of the helpers. I would tell my mom, “It’s Uncle Romy!”. I would also try to go to him to receive the Body of Christ.
It was also always nice seeing him at holiday parties, birthdays, or random occasions. He was always smiling, talking to someone, or telling jokes to the little kids of the family. They won’t feel the same with him gone now. He’s in a better place now, eating and chatting away with Uncle Mayo. Rest in peace Uncle Romy. You’ll be missed dearly.
I am so sorry for your loss. It was so joyful to hear everyone's memories of Mr. Lombo during the memorial. What I remember most about Mr. Lombo was his kindness and never feeling judged. Whenever I had the chance to visit- it was always so fun to hear his stories and participate in whatever fun things were happening at the Lombo house. I am grateful to have these memories and hope to show the same warmth to any guests in my home. Mr. Lombo will truly be missed! So much love to all of you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Jasmine
Some of my most memorable thoughts about him is whenever he visited us for birthdays, Christmas, or any occasion he usually cracked jokes that everyone would laugh to. Also he would always ask every person, "Kumusta ka na?" to start off the conversation related to their family, work, etc. He loved to watch Filipino films at the theatre and invited me a couple of times. I remember there was this one time when we went to see a movie and it was only 8 people inside in which all of them were seniors. While driving to the theatre he loved to listen and sing along to old artists, such as Frank Sinatra and many more. Amongst his favorite foods he would like to eat lechon, pancit, eggroll, and akoy.
With these simple thoughts I will miss him forever. May his soul rest in peace and enjoy the ever lasting life in heaven.
On behalf of Carrie, Gracie, and Sophie, we would like to extend our heartfelt sorrow and continued prayers to all of you. Know that the love and comfort of our families will be with you always.
Please rest assured that God will continue to take care of your blessed family and that Uncle Romy is resting peacefully in Heaven, surrounded by our loved ones. I remember all the fun times I had when we would visit your mom and dad's house, playing in the backyard, curious of all the cool stuff your dad kept in the garage. I still remember a time when me and Rod noticed the punching bag hanging in the garage and begged Uncle Romy to show us some moves. Humble as he was, when he finally obliged we were simply awestruck that we had an uncle who could teach us martial arts. I'm not 100% certain, but for some reason I want to believe he may have even shown us how to do the splits! I can still picture the garden and the fruit trees your parents kept in the backyard, and yep I can still visualize the yellow Volvo in the driveway and his silly barrel man that sat on top of the piano. There once was a time during a rosary at your parents' house where I was playing in the front yard, dirtied my shoes and brought mud into the house. Rather than single me out, Uncle Romy quietly took me outside to help clean off my shoes and save me from embarrassment. I ran off to play video games with everyone not even realizing what he had done for me. I remember one particular Christmas Eve we spent at Inang and Lolo's house where that year we did some sort of Secret Santa thing. Uncle Romy handed me a large present that I quickly unwrapped, only to reveal that it was a big Pampers box. Hidden inside was a 49ers jacket that I had been begging my parents for. I can't remember a lot of things that I had wished for as a kid, but that night Uncle Romy had made my wish come true. These are just a few of the millions of genuine acts of kindness I remember about Uncle Romy. As a youth, I never gave a second thought to why our uncles did what they did or said what they said. Hindsight being what it is, I now understand that Uncle Romy was simply showing me how to grow up to be a genuine and kind person, and for that I can never be able to thank him enough. Uncle Romy's legacy will forever live in my thoughts, but if I had to focus on one characteristic, I can easily envision his high-cheeked smile that could soothe all your troubles away. His never-ending smile, continuous generosity, and devotion to his family, well that's an extraordinary recipe for an AMAZING person. Thank you Uncle Romy for being the example and paving a path for us to follow in life. Know that whenever you reach out your hand I will be here to "pagmamano" so that I can continue to receive your many blessings.
With loving memories,
Ron, Carrie, Gracie, and Sophie