Obituary

To our brother on his 29th Birthday. We should not be writing an obituary for this youngest son, who will never see 30. Our collective hearts break for this gentle giant. The one among us who loved so large. He always found the beauty in each of us. That was his gift. Despite the long and hard road he chose, in all things, he found the best in others.

Casimiro Jose “CJ” Romero left this earth on September 18, 2023. He was 28 years old. He was born September 20, 1994, to Joe and Jeanine Romero in Charleston, WV, and spent most of his childhood sharing a home with his closest sibling, James Michael Romero.

His smile was the light in every room he entered. He was happiest surrounded by those he loved. He was stubborn and headstrong. His laugh was music, and his tears were too often. His was not an easy life. Our brother was born with drugs in his small body; he died with drugs in his body. He died waiting for a bed in a recovery center to open up. Two more days. He only needed two more days. Two more days to see 29. Two more days for another chance to get and stay clean. Two more days. His family is devastated by the tragedy of this short life and the world where a person can be born, live, and die with such odds stacked against him.

Substance abuse disorder is a terrible thing. It robs us of each other. It takes chances for reconciliation and redemption from us all. CJ joins the ranks of the millions of Americans lost to the failing war on drugs. A war that is waged on the most trivial of participants in order for rich men to flourish. It is corruption that touches all of us and goes unanswered at every turn.

For his friends and family, we have lost something precious and valued. A young man who could have recovered. A young man whose pain and love were too big for his body. Our hearts mourn this loss and grieve the opportunities that have been missed
.
He was preceded in death by his father, Casimiro “Joe” Romero, Uncle Anthony “Rico” Romero, Uncle Michael “Cheezy” Romero and Aunt Tina Romero.

CJ is survived by his siblings, who love him, Cassandra “Casey” (Tony) DiBenedetto of Sacramento, CA, Christopher (Amanda) Crosier-Riffle and Jessica (Brian) Felty of Charleston, SC, Justin (Nicole) Romero of Loxley, AL, Ashley (Bob) Romero of Charleston, WV, James (Lauren) Romero of Charleston, SC, and Patrick (Hailey) McDonald of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his mother, Jeanine Willard; his paternal Aunt Toni (Craig) Edens; maternal Uncle Ronnie Barbieri, and Cousins Fran Romero and Josh (Jody) Collins. He is also survived by his nephews and nieces: Tristan, Brendan, Carly, Evan, Jacqueline, Anesia, Aiden, Piper and Felix, along with a host of cousins.

He was loved and valued, and his life mattered. Love your people. Love them hard. This all ends. Good night, Mongoose, until we meet again.

Funeral service and viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, 1118 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV.

You may send condolences to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.