Benny G. Romero, age 70 of Lompoc, passed away Thursday, October 9, 2008. He was born September 3, 1938 in Santa Paula, CA to Delfina (Garcia) DeLira.

Benny came to Lompoc in 1941 from Santa Paula, CA. He was raised and educated here, graduated from Lompoc High, and later earned an associate's degree. He worked for Thrifty Drug for 16 years and later spent 22 years in civil service as an environmental specialist for Vandenberg Air Force Base.

His hobbies included camping, surf fishing at Jalama and vacationing in Mazatlan, Mexico. He was an avid walker and could be seen daily walking all over Lompoc. He had a friendly disposition and was a real people person. He never met a stranger, and was at ease with everyone he met. Benny was a wonderful "Tata" to his two granddaughters, Lauren and Elena, and loved to spoil them. He will be truly missed for the loving husband, father, grandfather, and good friend that he was.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Dottie Romero of Lompoc, sons Randy Romero and Robert Romero, both of Lompoc, sister Ermalinda Avila of Lompoc, sister Frances Razo of San Diego, sister Margaret Molina of Chino Valley, AZ, sister Gloria Gaitan of Lompoc, brother Joe DeLira of Ventura, granddaughters Lauren Romero and Elena Romero, both of Lompoc, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Delfina (Garcia) DeLira and stepfather Jose DeLira.

Cremation was requested. Recitation of the rosary will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 17, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at La Purisima Concepcion Catholic Church with Rev. Tom Cook to officiate. Burial of the cremains will follow at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.