Joaquin M. Romero passed away unexpectedly on Fri- day, February 28, 2025, at the age of 87. He owned and operated La Fogata-Canteen Club from 1971 until his last day. Joaquin was born on November 22, 1937, in Sahuaripa, Sonora. At the age of seven, he, along with his mother and siblings, moved to the small town of57, where he developed a strong passion for boxing.
At the age of 14, his family settled in Mexicali, B.C.
That same year, he came to Yolo County to work in the tomato fields so he could send money back home. He met our mother, Linda Saragoza, at a dance at the Yolo County Fairgrounds shortly after arriving in Woodland.
The two were together for 57years until she passed away in 2008. Together, they built a strong loving family and a successful business.
During the first ten years of their marriage, they lived in Mexicali, where Joaquin worked as an accountant for Estrella Azul, the largest ice company in Baja California. After moving back to Woodland in 1968, he worked at Mark’s Meat and then at Waste Management until he and Linda opened the family business, La Fogata, which continues to thrive today. Joaquin was involved in many activities; he boxed on the Baja California boxing team, where he won the title of Fighter of the Tournament in Los Angeles. He was a6’0” lightweight at 135 lbs who packed a punch.
In addition to boxing, he loved to sing in front of any audience. He made a movie, recorded an album, and had a passion for cooking. La Fogata was perfect for him; it allowed him to fight, sing, and cook in a place he cherished.
It became a pride and joy, serving as a home away from home for the Mexican community. Joaquin loved his wife and family with all his heart, and in his later years, you could often find him at his grandchildren’s games and events. He also looked forward to trips back to Mexicali where he would spend time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his five sons: Joaquin (Brigid), Oscar (Connie), Joe (Lupe), Carlos (Nichole), and Marco (LaRena), along with 16 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Roberto (Celita), Maria Eva, Aurelia, sister-in-laws Chuita, Luz Maria and Rosa Saragoza Gonzales and brother-in-law John Saragoza. Joaquin was preceded in death by his beloved wife of51years, Linda Saragoza Romero; his only daughter, Elva Corina Romero; his mother, Carmen Martinez Romero; his father, Joaquin Romero; and his brothers, Lorenzo and Hector Romero.
Services will be held Wednesday March 19, 2025 at 10 AM at the Holy Rosary Community Center at 575 California Street. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery at 11:00am with a reception to follow at LaFogata in Woodland at 12:00pm.
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