Priest River Times Priest River, Bonner County, Idaho Alphonse Romero, 82 Alphonse "Al" Romero died on Nov. 9, 2004, at a Spokane hospital. He was born on May 28, 1922, in Newport, Wash., to Domingo and Jesusa Perera Romero. He attended schools in Newport and then worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps at many area projects, including in the Sullivan Lake area. Al entered the U.S. Army and served during World War II. After landing in Italy, Al was captured and spent 15 months as a prisoner of war, spending time in work camps. He served the army in Rome, Normandy, northern France, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. He received five bronze stars, three overseas service medals, and a purple heart. In the early 1950s, Al moved to Alaska where he worked in construction. He returned to the Newport area , and in December 1958 married Nina Lorraine Toll. Along with his brothers, Al co-owned and operated Newport Concrete for many years. He enjoyed traveling and wintering in his Yuma, Ariz., house for nearly 30 years. Al was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Newport and the Hospitality House. He enjoyed area history and would provide information to the Pend Oreille County Historical Society whenever possible. Most of all, he enjoyed having coffee and visiting with his family and friends. Survivors include his son Bill and Nancy Romero of Priest River, Idaho; two grandchildren, Denise Rainey and Troy Romero; and three great-grandchildren, Shawn, Sara, and Kathryn. Also surviving are his two brothers, Frank and Donna Romero, and Joe Romero, both of Newport; and his sister, Mary Roush of Spokane. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nina; sister, Ann Nelson; and a brother, Manuel, who died 11 months ago. A graveside memorial service was held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16, at the Newport Cemetery with the American Legion participating. A time of fellowship will follow at the Hospitality House. The family suggests that memorials be made to the Newport Hospitality House. Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.