[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 102 (Wednesday, September 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE LATE RICHARD D. ROMERO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 2000

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, it is with regret and deep sadness that I 
announce the passing of Inland Empire businessman, philanthropist, and 
community leader Richard Romero, at the age of 64.
  Richard demonstrated vision and entrepreneurial spirit in the Inland 
Empire for over 30 years, opening his first dealership, Pomona Valley 
Datsun, in 1970. Today his business interests include 8 automobile 
franchises, a wholesale auto auction and a real estate company.
  Throughout the years, Richard had a large presence in the Inland 
Empire, both as a businessman and community leader. He believed that 
what makes this country great is our individual commitments to 
philanthropies.
  Richard and his wife of 38 years, Val, sponsored and supported many 
service organizations and programs for children including: an annual 
Christmas Choral Competition which awards monetary grants to 5 area 
high schools, a Christmas Program which provides gifts for over 300 
foster children, Assistance League of Pomona Valley, Kiwanis, Ontario 
Chamber of Commerce and National Charity League.
  Richard was born in rural Socorro, New Mexico, September 4, 1935, son 
of Clara and James Romero. He began working at age 9 washing cars and 
working in a service station. He earned a bachelor's degree in Business 
Administration, and for 6 years served our country in the Army Reserve 
Tank Corps. He then worked as assistant auditor for the state of New 
Mexico.
  He moved to Los Angeles to work as an auditor for 20th Century Fox, 
at which time he also began his career in the retail auto business when 
he bought a small gas station from which he began refurbishing and 
selling used cars.
  Richard was Chairman of the Board of Empire Nissan, Romero Motors 
Corporation, Jeep/Chrysler/Plymouth of Ontario, Toyota of Glendale and 
J. McCullough Corporation. He had served as a board member of the 
California Motor Car Dealers Association and the Chairman of the Board 
and CEO of Acquirecorp's Norwalk Auto Auction, Oremor Management & 
Investment Company and Oremor Development L.L.C.
  Richard received several awards within the industry, including 
Chrysler Corporation's ``Five Star Award for Excellence'' and Nissan's 
President Inner Circle Award. In 1987, he was honored as the only 
Californian to receive the Import Car Dealer of Distinction Award. He 
was also the winner of the Time Magazine's Quality Dealer Award and 
named Mr. Hispanic Business Man of the Year, 1985.
  In addition to being listed in ``Who's Who in California'', he was 
also named 1987 Humanitarian of the Year by the Alliance of Latino 
Business Association. He served with the Deukmejian administration as a 
California Transportation Commissioner. He also served on the Board of 
Governors of Opportunity Funding Corporation, a nonprofit, Washington, 
D.C. based organization, which helps minority members start and/or 
expand small businesses. Additionally, he worked closely with King Juan 
Carlos of Spain when he served on the Board of Governors for Expo '92 
in Seville.
  Richard was the founder and former chairman of the board of directors 
of Empire Bank and also served for over 20 years on the Board of 
Trustees for the University of La Verne, which chose him for their 1998 
President's Award. Additionally, he served on the Board of Governors 
for the Rose Institute of Claremont McKenna College. The Romeros had 
the honor of meeting and hosting several dignitaries and celebrities in 
their home including Chief of Staff Howard Baker under President Ronald 
Reagan, Former Governor Pete Wilson, Lord Roger Keyes, Sir Julien and 
Lady Ridsdale, and heavy weight champion George Foreman. He had also 
met and conferred with Presidents Reagan, Bush, Ford and Carter.
  Richard is survived by his wife Val; son R.J.; two daughters Valerie 
and Christina; and four grandchildren with one on the way.
  Richard will be missed by family and friends alike. He touched us all 
with his kind deeds and leadership in our community.

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