Romero Lim Fajardo, age 95, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, surrounded by the love and care of his devoted family. Born on February 20, 1930, in Bagamanoc, Catanduanes, Philippines, Romero led a life marked by dedication, service, and love for his family and community.
Romero served with distinction in the United States Navy for 30 years, retiring as a Disbursing Clerk Senior Chief Petty Officer. He was honored to be a plank owner for Personnel Support Detachment Norfolk, helping to establish this important unit and served as the Command Senior Chief. His commitment and diligence were recognized through numerous accolades, including the National Defense Service Medal with a Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, and eight Good Conduct Awards. Following his military retirement, Romero continued to serve for an additional 12 years, managing the finances at the Personnel Support Detachment (PSD).
In addition to his military service, Romero was one of the first coordinators for the Filipino American Ministry, helping to forge connections and foster community among Filipino Americans. He maintained an extensive garden that was the pride of the neighborhood and found great joy in fishing, particularly catching Chesapeake Bay blue crabs. Well into his 80s, he could often be found meticulously mowing his lawn, taking pride in maintaining his home with the same dedication he brought to all aspects of his life.
Romero was a devoted member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, where he served faithfully in the Arimathean Ministry, as a Eucharistic Minister, parish greeter, and participated in numerous other parish activities. His commitment to his faith was evident in every aspect of his life.
Romero is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Teresa Tacorda and Pastor Encarnacion Fajardo. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Purificacion Fajardo; son Dale Fajardo and his wife Letty; daughter Verna Ibarra and her husband Alan; and three grandchildren, Lily, Andrew, and Matthew. As devoted grandparents, Romero and Purificacion took great joy in helping to raise their grandchildren, creating cherished memories and strong bonds that will last for generations.
The family extends their profound gratitude to the exceptional staff at the Lily Memory Care Unit of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, who provided compassionate and dedicated care to Romero for nearly 600 days. Their unwavering kindness, patience, and professional attention created a loving environment that brought comfort to both Romero and his family during this chapter of his life.
A private Funeral Mass will be held at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, where family and close friends will gather to honor his memory. Romero will be laid to rest at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia, at a later date.
As we mourn the loss of Romero, we celebrate a life well-lived, defined by devotion to his family, St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, and the American dream he not only pursued but helped build through his military service and community involvement.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Academy of Ophthalmology Foundation, an organization dedicated to advancing eye health and preserving sight through education, research, and service, and/or to the Alzheimer’s Association), which supports research and care for those affected by dementia.
