It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Oscar Reyes Romero, who left us peacefully Saturday September 6, 2025 at home, surrounded by his family. Oscar, lovingly known as "Big O," was born January 6, 1960 in Tucson, Arizona, and grew up in Barrio Centro.

Oscar was preceded in death by his parents, Augustine A. Romero and Esther Lopez, along with his siblings Raul Romero and Nancy Figueroa, and dog Hercules Spot Romero.

He is survived by his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, Jo Ann Arechederra-Romero; his children, Leanndra Arechederra-Romero, Casanndra (Daniel Sainz), Alanna-Rose Arechederra-Romero, and Orlando Arechederra-Romero, his cherished granddaughter Orelia Sainz, his sisters Irene (Robert Cortez) and Becky (Byron Watson), many nieces and nephews, and his dog, Beto.

Oscar attended Tucson High School from 1974-1978, where he played baseball, and was an All-City, All-State, and All District, Western Region 3rd baseman in 1978. He was voted Best Incoming Baseball Player at Pima College, where he played for two years and was co-captain of the team. He continued playing at the University of Texas at El Paso from 1980-1982, and earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Arizona.

After completing his collegiate career, Oscar proudly returned to his alma mater, Tucson High School in 1983, beginning a remarkable journey as both teacher and coach. He taught Marine Biology before moving into Physical Education, also teaching classes at Mid-Valley Athletic Club, where he loved joining and challenging his students in sports.

Baseball was Oscar's greatest passion and he was a proud Badger. From 1983 to 2018, he coached at Tucson High, first as an assistant coach when the Badgers won back to back State Championships in 1987 and 1988, and later leading his own Badger teams as Head Coach to two State Runner Up finishes, ending his career with 488 victories. The Arizona Daily Star and Tucson Citizen named him Baseball Coach of the Year four times (1990, 1997, 2002, 2013), and he twice earned Tucson Hispanic Coach of the Year honors from Luz Academy. He coached in three 5A Division I All-State All-Star games and was recognized as AIA Division I Section 2 Coach of the Year in 2013. Oscar also coached American Legion baseball under commissioner Bud Grainger from 1985 to 2018, leading his teams to nine state championships. His 2007 team won the Western Region Championship in Salt Lake City and finished third at the World Series in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Alongside baseball, Oscar also served as Tucson High's Head Golf Coach from 1988 to 2011, where he inspired student-athletes with his dedication and competitive spirit.

One of Oscar's proudest moments was having the opportunity to see his son get recruited to play at Adams State University. Oscar was given the opportunity to combine his lifetime goal of coaching at the collegiate level and watching his son play by joining the Adams State University staff as the infield and hitting coach from 2019-2022. When Oscar returned to Tucson, he naturally gravitated to coaching once again, but this time at another alma-mater–Pima Community College, where he served as an assistant coach from 2022 to 2025.

Oscar was a man who simply loved life. He found joy in golfing with the Los Gallos Club on Wednesdays, rolling dice at the casino, enjoying the quiet peace of the ocean in Hawaii, cheering for his beloved Dodgers, and watching his favorite westerns on baseball road trips with his players.

Above all, Oscar cherished his family.  He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a loving grandfather whose deepest joy came from sharing love, laughter, and cherished moments with his family. He was their loudest cheerleader and most faithful supporter, celebrating every accomplishment and encouraging every dream. He especially loved camping and fishing—traditions passed down from his father and proudly shared with his own children, creating memories that will live on for generations.

Oscar also treasured his countless friendships. Whether swapping stories, sharing laughs, or simply enjoying time together, he built lifelong bonds that reflected his loyalty, generosity, and joy for life.

Food was Oscar's love language—a way to share good laughs, bring family and friends together around the table, create lasting memories, and show, in the most genuine way, how deeply he cared.

Oscar's life was defined by his love of family and his service to others. He believed in pushing people to do their best and to achieve more than they thought possible. He often said that if he could make a difference in just one person's life each day, then he had done his job.

Oscar will be profoundly missed by the innumerable lives he touched. His generosity and his life lessons—putting God first, valuing family, practicing patience and empathy, and offering forgiveness—will live on in all who were blessed to know him.