It is with profound sadness that the family of Constantino Romero announces his sudden and unexpected passing on June 12, 2024. Tino was 54 years old. He was a cherished son, husband, grandfather, brother, mentor, friend, and a beloved member of the community. Tino was preceded in death by his mother, Judith and father, Apolonio.

He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Romero; by his stepchildren: Brittany Cornacchia (Nathan) and Blaine Dudley; his grandchildren: Ke’Andre, Brooklyn, Katarina, and Brynlee; by his brother, Steve Romero (Catherine), by his sisters: Coya Romero, Sarah Wotherspoon, and Julie Schaefer (Jim) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends. Tino lived much of his life in Eureka, where so many wonderful memories were made, memories that will be treasured by his family and friends for the rest of their lives.

Born May 7, 1970 in Eureka, Tino was welcomed into a loving family that included two sisters and a brother. As the youngest of four children, he was cherished and nurtured by his entire family. These early years instilled in Tino a deep sense of love, kindness, and generosity, that he carried with him throughout his life. Tino grew up and spent many years filled with adventures roaming the marsh lands of Bay Street with the Mock family children, which was a daily routine during the summers. His teenage years included numerous camping, hiking, and fishing adventures with family and friends. Tino had an illustrious football career, which garnered many awards and recognition. After two seasons with the Corsairs in 1988-1989, Tino, a defensive lineman, was a two-time, First Team All-Golden Valley Conference selection, and a two-time unanimous First Team All-State selection. In 1989, Tino was selected as the GVC’s Defensive Player of the Year. In 1990, he accepted an athletic scholarship to Washington State University, starting as a defensive tackle for the Cougars. Tino finished his football-playing career at Southern Oregon University in 1993. After football, Tino found his real passion in life: coaching. In 1999, Tino joined the College of the Redwoods Athletic Program serving as the linebacker coach, which eventually led him to becoming an assistant coach and then head football coach.

Tino considered CR his family; and during his 25 years with the College of the Redwoods. He not only coached football, Tino was also a good friend and mentor to thousands of student athletes. Although he held strong to his coaching values, he would become the Athletics Coordinator, where he could extend his coaching skills through all sports.

On August 1, 2009, Tino married the love of his life, Debbie. Little did he know that same week he not only became a husband, but a soon-to-be grandfather. Tino found out days later his first grandchild, Ke’Andre, would be on the way that following year. Helping raise his grandson was one of his greatest joys in life. Tino and Debbie built a life together with all the dreams and plans that come with a marriage. They spent summers camping with their children and four grandchildren, where Tino found immense joy in entertaining them with thrilling bigfoot hunts and stories under the stars, but also shared his immense love for barbecuing and smoking delicious steaks. These bonding moments of fun created treasured memories for his family, reflecting his playful spirit and deep love for his grandchildren. Notwithstanding his love for his wife, the time Tino spent with his grandchildren was the pinnacle of his existence. The future was so bright when they were together.

A Celebration of Life will be held at College of the Redwoods at a date to be determined. Tino will be inducted into the CR Hall of Fame on October 24, 2024.

A College of the Redwoods Scholarship in Tino’s name will be created through CR’s Foundation. If you would like to donate to this scholarship, please contact College of the Redwoods Foundation at marty-coelho@redwoods.edu or call (707) 476-4325.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Tino Romero’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.