Robert Louis - Las Vegas - Courtesy Announcem Lucero

Robert Louis Lucero, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2014 at his home in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He began his life journey on April 21, 1950, in Las Vegas, New Mexico.\r\nHe was the only child of Roberto and Genoveva Lucero. Upon graduation from Robertson High School in 1968, he moved to Santa Fe to attend X-ray Technician School at St. Vincent’s Hospital. While working as an X-ray tech at St. Vincent’s Hospital and at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Las Vegas, he attended classes at the University of New Mexico and New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU). He received his Bachelors of Arts and Masters of Arts in Music Education from NMHU where he was instrumental in establishing mariachi as an accredited course – the first in the Nation. He was united in marriage in Santa Cruz, New Mexico on September 5, 1970 to Margie Quintana.\r\nAfter completing his degree, Robert taught music for 27 years at Taos High School, Robertson High School, Espanola Public Schools, and at West Las Vegas Schools where he was also the Principal at Valley Elementary and Middle School. Robert took his students to music festivals in Mexico, Canada and throughout the United States. He also taught mariachi courses at NMHU. While at these schools, he taught many musicians who have become favorite Northern New Mexico artists.\r\n Beyond teaching and constantly encouraging people to continue their education in the field of their passion, Robert also gave back to the community as a volunteer fireman for the Las Vegas Company 1 Fire Department for 25 years. He was a scout master for Boy Scout Troop 102. He later formed New Mexico’s first all-female mariachi group, Mariachi Santa Cecilia, comprised of young women from throughout Northern New Mexico.\r\n Robert was a member of the Music Educators National Conference, the New Mexico Music Educators Association, and a lifetime member of Elks Lodge #408. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with family and friends. Robert will be dearly missed.\r\n He was preceded in death by his parents: Robert Lucero and Genevieve Osnita Vigil Lucero; mother and father-in-law: Adela and Feliciano Quintana; brother-in-law: Arsenio Martinez.\r\n He is survived by his wife Margie Lucero of the family home; son: Robert L. Lucero, Jr., of Albuquerque, NM; daughter: Melissa A. Lucero-Nguyen and husband Anthony of Freemont, CA; grandson: Diego Anthony Nguyen of Freemont, CA; special nephew: Aaron Jorgenson of the family home; sisters-in-law: Judy Martinez of La Puebla, NM; Tillie Perez and husband Art of La Puebla, NM; Marie Castañeda and husband David of Las Puebla, NM; Clarissa Romero and husband John of Amarillo, TX; Grace Martinez and husband Orlando of La Puebla, NM; brother-in-law: Felix Quintana, Jr., and wife Martha of La Puebla, NM; special family friends: Tamarah Lucero and Maria Quintana; aunt: Rosalia Crespin and husband Frank of Las Vegas, NM; close cousins: Mary and Pete Martinez of Santa Fe, NM; Theresa Lucero of Las Vegas, NM; Ramon Trujillo and wife Frances of Sierra Vista, AZ; Frank Crespin, Jr., and wife Niccie of Las Cruces, NM; Paul Lucero and wife Mary of Los Alomitos, NM; Dan Lucero and wife Peggy of Las Vegas, NM; numerous: nieces, nephews, God children, other relatives and many friends.\r\n Rosary services will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 7:00pm at Immaculate Conception Church in Las Vegas, NM. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 9:00 am also at Immaculate Conception Church with Father George V. Salazar as Celebrant. Serving as Casket Bearers: Aaron Jorgenson, Albert Lucero, Arsenio Martinez, Jr., Chris Garcia, Paul Crespin, Joe Venturi, Felix Quintana, and Pete Martinez III. Honorary Bearers: Eddie Rimbert, Jimmy Leger, David Escudero, George Asi, Louis Clayton, George Leger, Bobby Benavidez and Pete F. Martinez, Jr. Cremation will follow services. \r\nIn lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations for a memorial scholarship, which will assist NMHU music students in pursuing their education. Please direct donations to Robert L. Lucero, Jr., PO Box 27022, Albuquerque, NM 87125.\r\nThank you for all your help

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