Obituary of SFC Antonio Romero Carrillo, U.S. Army,

"There can only be one." (Highlanders, 1986)Antonio Romero Carrillo (age 72) passed away from pancreatic cancer on January 20, 2021 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his wife and family.He was born on January 17, 1949. He was the first-born child to Guadalupe Romero and Angel Carrillo and was the eldest to eight siblings.Antonio's life journey began in Durango, Mexico before his family would settle in the neighborhood of Segundo Barrio in El Paso, Texas. While growing up, he would enjoy playing street football (especially during Thanksgiving), enjoying his family, and playing the shortstop position in baseball. He taught himself how to play billiards at the local Boys and Girls Club (and he was quite good!). He graduated from Bowie High School in 1967. That same year, he found his life partner and love of his life, Celia.Also, in 1967, Antonio's life would take him on even more adventures. He joined the U.S. Army. He started his military career as a PFC (E-1) on Fort Bliss, Texas and ended his career twenty years later as a SFC (E-7) on Fort Carson, Colorado. His time in the service would let him see and travel the world in a way he only could. Antonio went to Europe, Asia, South America, and across many states in the United States. Even though he did not tell many stories of the adventures he had while in the service, you could tell he enjoyed every moment there. He loved to introduce his family to the different foods he tried and would talk about the different cultures he experienced.During his time serving in the military, Antonio would welcome three children with his wife, Celia. These children not only brought joy to their lives, but the occasional headache or two. Pancho (Baby Huey) in 1968, Valeria in 1973, and Gabe (Half Sperm) in 1977 - the names say it all!In 1987, Antonio retired from the service. He began work doing ground maintenance at the Air Force Academy, Peterson Air Force Base, and Schriever Air Force Base. In 2012, he followed his closest friend, Brenda (BT), to the place he most loved and enjoyed working at - The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. He retired from the zoo in May 2020.Unfortunately, in September 2020, Antonio was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He fought it the only way he knew how which was with faith, will, and family love.Antonio's greatest adventure was his family. He would often take his children on family vacations, hiking, and driving through mountains. He loved being surrounded by family and friends. He loved watching football and was an avid Raiders fan. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports and sing at school concerts. He spent the rest of his free time playing the slot machines in Cripple Creek. He was very active in his family and friends' lives and will be missed very much.Antonio is survived by the love of his life, Celia Carrillo; and three children, Francisco "Pancho" Carrillo, Valeria Carrillo, and Gabriel (Carmen) Carrillo. He has eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Fernie (Maria) Carrillo, Lencho (Sandra) Carrillo, and Martin (Letty) Carrillo; and his sisters, Lupita (Perikin) Valdez, Chayo (Jamie) Aranda, Chavela (Freddy) Montes, and Chela (Johnny) Gonzales.In the end, "there was only one" Antonio Romero Carrillo. He was a fun-loving father, husband, brother, Tio, and friend. Even if you only met him once, he would be a lifelong memory because he was truly one of a kind.Graveside Service, 11:00AM, Thursday, February 18, 2021, Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925. Attendees will be capped at 25 people. Masks/facial coverings are required. Events Graveside Thursday, February 18, 2021 11:00AM Pikes Peak National Cemetery 10545 Drennan Road Colorado Springs, CO 80925 Phone: 202-632-8035