Adelina Ongaro Romero

Adelina Ongaro Romero, a woman of remarkable strength, faith, and love, passed away the morning of January 16, 2025 at age of 90, of heart failure. Born on September 30, 1934, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Edelmira Jerez Ongaro and Americo Ongaro, Adelina’s life was a testament to resilience, dedication, and devotion to her family, her Catholic faith, and the American Dream. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe S. Romero.

Adelina’s education began at St. Mary’s Grade School in Phoenix. After the passing of her mother when she was just six years old, she attended Longfellow and Monroe Grade Schools and later graduated from Phoenix Union High School. Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her upbringing, and she was a devoted member of St. Catherine’s Church in South Phoenix, where she was married and where her four children attended school. Adelina attended most, if not all, of her high school reunions over the past seventy years.

On April 28, 1957, Adelina married Joe S. Romero. Together, they built a life filled with love and dedication to their family. They purchased a home in South Phoenix, where they raised their four children. In 1976, they moved to a new home in Laveen, where Adelina resided for the past fifty years and hosted countless memorable birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and sleepovers.

After her children started school, Adelina began her career at Motorola as an assembler. Initially working with semiconductors, she later collaborated directly with engineers on defense projects, becoming a trailblazer and holding her own in a competitive profession. Along the way, she obtained her cosmetology license, not for a career but to broaden her skills. Her talents extended far beyond her professional work—she was a masterful cook, capable of deciphering recipes by taste, and an accomplished seamstress, creating clothing, blankets, quilts, tablecloths, and more for her family.

When her children became self-sufficient, Adelina embraced her love for travel. She explored Western and Eastern Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Hawaii, Alaska, the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, and Mexico, creating cherished memories along the way. As a graduation gift, she took her grandchildren on trips to Europe to cultivate their own love and appreciation for the world around them. 

Adelina’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children: Ana, Gina and Joseph Romero (wife Lucy), Denise Michelle Lenzi-Monson, along with their families. Her grandchildren include Natali Moralas (husband Audencio, children Christian and Alex), Stephania Lenzi (partner Arman Sidhu), Vincent Lenzi (wife Megane and expected daughter Stella), Cera Monson, Ivan Torres (wife Georgina, children Leilani, Ivette, and Ivan), Michael Romero, and Karina Romero. 

Adelina was the fifth of seven children and the last surviving sibling. She was especially close to her sister Dorina, who passed fourteen years earlier. Dorina’s son, Lee Davis, along with his wife Mary Ann and their children, Brina, Kaylee, and Joseph, remained an integral part of Adelina’s life and family. Adelina also loved and cared for her dogs and horses.

Just days prior to her passing, Adelina's final celebration was filled with love and family as she attended the baby shower for her expected great-grandchild Stella. It was a fitting tribute to a life well-lived.

Her warmth, kindness, and love for her family will be deeply missed and forever cherished. 

A visitation will be held from 5 – 8 PM with rosary at 6 PM at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85018, Thursday, January 23, 2025. A Mass will follow at St. Mary’s Basilica, 231 N 3rd St. Phx, at 8:30 AM on Friday, January 24, 2025, with interment at St. Francis Cemetery thereafter. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Adelina’s honor to the children’s charity of your choice.