Errol "Romo" Romero, Sr.

New Iberia - Errol A. “Romo” Romero, Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, public servant, and community leader, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born on February 27, 1937, in New Iberia, Louisiana, Romo lived a remarkable life devoted to his family, his faith, his community, and the people he served. A man of humility, conviction, and compassion, who, during over more than four decades of public service, touched countless lives and left an enduring mark on Iberia Parish, Acadiana, and the State of Louisiana.

From an early age, through his graduation from New Iberia Senior High School in 1957, Romo was an accomplished Golden Gloves boxer. He then served two years in the United States Navy, followed by six years on inactive duty. He later attended USL and LSU and graduated from the FBI National Academy.

Romo began his professional life as a plumber and vocational plumbing teacher with the Iberia Parish School Board. During this time, he served as a boxing coach, mentoring underprivileged young men and helping many of them become Golden Gloves boxers.

In 1968, Romo entered public service and was elected to the Iberia Parish Police Jury. He served as Police Jury President from 1978 to 1979.

In 1979, Romo was elected Sheriff of Iberia Parish, serving from 1980 through 1996. During his 16 years as sheriff, he became known simply as “Sheriff Romo,” a name that would remain with him for the rest of his life. He was an independent leader who was never afraid to stand up for what he believed was right. He became the only sheriff in the United States to challenge the constitutionality of the federal Brady Law, a challenge upheld by the United States Supreme Court.

In 1990, The Daily Iberian recognized Romo as one of the most influential individuals in Iberia Parish, describing him as “a dedicated man with strong Christian ideals.” Those words reflected the principles that guided his life: faith, service, integrity, courage, and a commitment to helping others from all walks of life, race, and financial status.

In 1997, Romo was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives, representing District 48, where he served until 2008. In 2002, he was inducted into the Acadian Museum as a Living Legend, honoring his extraordinary contributions to Acadiana and the State of Louisiana.

One of the causes closest to Romo’s heart was the fight to correct the wrongful convictions of two local men. Throughout his years as sheriff and state representative, he worked tirelessly to help secure their freedom. Both men were ultimately released in 2006 after spending approximately 30 years in prison. Romo’s role in their fight for justice was later featured in John Grisham’s 2024 nonfiction book, Framed.

In 2012, Romo was elected Iberia Parish President, serving from 2012 through 2016. In all, he devoted 43 years to elected public service. He remains the only person to have been elected to three of Iberia Parish’s major parish offices—Sheriff, State Representative, and Parish President. Most will never forget Romo standing at major intersections, waving a campaign sign in one hand and his signature pipe in the other, which soon became a rite of passage for others running for office.

Yet, despite all of his accomplishments, Romo’s greatest pride was never his titles or political career. Above all else, he treasured and loved his family deeply.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Mary Joyce Chevalon Romero; his daughter, Clodora “Cleo” Rhodes (James “Dusty”) and his son, Shane Errol A. Romero, Jr. (Brande), both of New Iberia; his grandchildren, Zachary Rhodes (Lydia), Miriam Romero, and Murphy Romero; and his great-grandchildren, Jackson Rhodes and Beau Rhodes.

Romo will be deeply missed and forever remember by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy is not measured only by the offices he held, but by his generosity, the people he helped, the lives he influenced, and the family he loved so dearly. Those who knew him best will remember something even more important than the title of Sheriff Romo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Sheriff Romo at 1:00 pm, on Monday, September 21, 2026, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Nativity of Our Lady Cemetery.

Rev. Garrett Savoie will be the Celebrant.

Visitation will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 108 E. St. Peter Street, in New Iberia, on Monday, from 10:00 am until 12:30 pm. A eulogy will be read at 12:30 pm.

Pallbearers will be James “Dusty” Rhodes, Zachary Rhodes, Murphy Romero, Steven Romero, Malcolm Derouen, Patrick McEvoy, Troy Hebert, Michael Flash, and Lloyd Brown (Honorary).

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace, New Iberia, LA 70560 (337.365.3331)