Robert Louis Lucero passed away on Friday, March 14, 2014, at his home in Las Vegas. He began his life journey on April 21, 1950, in Las Vegas.
He 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.
He received his bachelor of arts and master 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 on Sept. 5, 1970, to Margie Quintana.
After completing his degree, Robert taught music for 27 years at Taos High School, Robertson High School, Española 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.
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, comprising young women from throughout Northern New Mexico.
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.
He is 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.
He is survived by his wife, Margie Lucero of the family home; son, Robert L. Lucero Jr. of Albuquerque; daughter, Melissa A. Lucero-Nguyen and husband Anthony of Fremont, Calif.; grandson, Diego Anthony Nguyen of Fremont, Calif.; special nephew, Aaron Jorgenson of the family home; sisters-in-law, Judy Martinez of La Puebla, Tillie Perez and husband, Art of La Puebla, Marie Castañeda and husband, David of La Puebla, Clarissa Romero and husband, John of Amarillo, Texas, Grace Martinez and husband, Orlando of La Puebla; brother-in-law, Felix Quintana, Jr., and wife, Martha of La Puebla; special family friends, Tamarah Lucero and Maria Quintana; aunt, Rosalia Crespin and husband, Frank of Las Vegas; close cousins, Mary and Pete Martinez of Santa Fe, Theresa Lucero of Las Vegas, Ramon Trujillo and wife, Frances of Sierra Vista, Ariz., Frank Crespin, Jr., and wife, Niccie of Las Cruces, Paul Lucero and wife, Mary of Los Alamitos, Dan Lucero and wife, Peggy of Las Vegas; numerous nieces, nephews, God children, other relatives and many friends.
Rosary services will be held at 7 p.m. today (Wednesday) at Immaculate Conception Church in Las Vegas. Funeral services will be conducted at 9 a.m. Thursday 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, Pete Martinez III. Honorary bearers are: Eddie Rimbert, Jimmy Leger, David Escudero, George Asi, Louis Clayton, George Leger, Bobby Benavidez and Pete F. Martinez, Jr. Cremation will follow services and burial of cremains will be held at a later date in a private ceremony at The Lucero Family Cemetery in Cañoncito.
In 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., P.O. Box 27022, Albuquerque, N.M. 87125.
Visit Rogers Mortuary's website: www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign online register book.
Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Mortuary; 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, 1-800-479-3511 or 425-3511.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mr. Lucero, I will always remember your big beautiful smile and your stern yet loving voice. You taught so many students and touched so many lives (my Uncle Bobby was one of them, I know you both were dear friends). To your family I send prayers, asking for our Lord's peace, comfort, strength and healing. God bless you all. Donna, Joseph and Jazminn
Donna Jordan-Allen
March 24, 2014
Margie, BJ and Melissa,
We were deeply saddened to learn of Robert Sr.'s passing. Although we cannot begin to imagine the pain of your grief, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, and that we will remember him always as a gentle and kind soul.
Suzanne Lambert
March 24, 2014
Margie I am so sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with and the family. Cousin Robert will be truly missed may god bless his soul and may he rest in peace.
Deborah Madrid
March 20, 2014
Our condolences Margie and family. Lo sentimos mucho.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cipriano y Susana Vigil
Cipriano Vigil
March 20, 2014
Margie , I was so distrought when I heard about Robert's passing. He was a good friend and the most wonderful giving person, thinking of others before himself. His dad and mine taught school together in their younger years. We often talked about this. Robert will be missed and remembered by so many because he touched so many lives. He is now an angel watching over you and his entire family. God bless you and your entire family as you are all in my prayers.
Janice Kavanaugh
March 20, 2014
May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He cause His face to shine upon you and give you peace. Our prayers are with the family, God Bless you cousins.
James Lucero
March 19, 2014
May God give you comfort and strength during this time.
Bernice Hughes
March 19, 2014
May god Bles u all are thoughts and prayer to you margie we will Miss Robert so much love lenora,martín,Mari and Jesús.
LENORA MARTIN Lovato,Valdillez
March 19, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Sandra Trujillo
March 19, 2014
I am sorry for your loss. God bless you. I remember Robert from Robertson since we graduated in 1968.
CDR. Louie Gallegos USN (Ret)
March 19, 2014
Our deepest condolence and prayers to you and your family. May God keep you strong.
Nora Vigil
March 19, 2014
Margie and family I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all. Roberta Valdez
March 19, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marlina Montano
March 18, 2014
Margie and family we are very saddend by Robert's passing. He helped us so much with our carshows and was a very good friend.
Annabelle and Anthony Baca
March 18, 2014
Margie and family, I am so saddened to hear of your loss. Robert was certainly an inspiration to many, especially his students in music. I had the utmost respect for him. God bless you and your family. Sincerely, Viola Garduno
March 18, 2014
Margie and family our deepest sympathy on your loss. We have so many fond memories of Robert and we pray that our Dear Lord guide and give you strength through this difficult time. May all the fond memories you have of him live in your hearts forever.
Billy & Cenaida Maes
March 18, 2014
Margie l was saddend when l heard about roberts passing he will be missed
John & susie roybal
March 18, 2014
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