Shortly after the Cuban revolution relations between Cuba and the USA deteriorated. Prior to the revolution the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base employed a large number of Cubans for non-military support jobs. After relations deteriorated the USA was not allowed to hire more Cubans. But existing workers continued to be employed. Some, like Julian Romero, lived on the base while remaining Cuban citizens.

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Julian A. Romero, a Cuban Special Category Resident, passed away on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at the Naval Hospital Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. Born on January 9, 1928, in Central Chaparra, Oriente and resided a long time in Guantanamo City. He lived a full life, passing away peacefully at the age of 82.

Mr. Romero first came to work on the base in 1959 and worked at the Fire Department as a Fire Captain until he retired after 25 years of service. He then worked for a short time at the Navy Exchange.

Mr. Romero was well known for his musical talent. Before coming to the base he played in bands all over Cuba playing one of his favorite instruments called the “BA-HO”, a very large base guitar and he could play a host of others including the drums. When he came to the base he continued this by adding his talent to the base’s Navy Band and other musical groups providing entertainment. Mr. Romero was very respected in the Cuban Community and among all those who knew him. His closest friends remember him always as a very nice, descent and very respectful person. Mr. Romero was a pillar of the community always helping other Cuban compatriots in whatever situation he could assist in.

He will be remembered dearly by the community in general as an intelligent, thorough, helpful and extremely funny man. But above all, everyone knew that he thought of his family constantly and always put his family first.

Mr. Romero is survived by his beloved wife Delia in the Naval Hospital, and his Son Jose Antonio Romero in Guantanamo City, a daughter Dania Stevenson in Chicago, Ill., and a sister Geraldina Romero Charles in Guantánamo City, and his grandchildren who live in Guantánamo City, Cuba.