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ROMERO -- RUBEN Beloved by family and friends, and adored by music fans across the country, acclaimed music legend and native Santa Fean Ruben Romero succumbed to complications from diabetes on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at age 60. As a master guitarist who excelled in the Spanish, Flamenco and classical genres and who entertained audiences for over 45 years, his musical legacy will live forever. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit and generosity in sharing his abundant musical talents. His passionate versatility and virtuosity in the field of music were evidenced in a multitude of recordings and live performances. Mr. Romero's distinguished career included an impressive catalog of CD's, television and film credits. A prolific composer, arranger and producer, Mr. Romero's award winning recordings reflected his flair for unique contemporary renditions of the classics as well are original compositions. He was also admired for his keen business acumen. He successfully created and maintained the Ruben Romero World Music Gallery on the Sante Fe Plaza for 15 years with his brother, Joe Romero. The gallery became widely known for its vast selection and expertise in a variety of music. Recent visitors to the shop included the Gypsy Kings who were aware of Reuben's talent and extraordinary repertoire. In 1999, former Santa Fe Mayor Larry Delgado declared that May 2nd annually be 'Ruben Romero Day in Santa Fe" for his "most generous and unselfish spirit through his many hours of benefit performances . . . donating his time and talents by giving concerts for the benefit of the Children's Museum, Palace of the Governors, the Santuario, Site Santa Fe, various churches and many other civic functions. . . and instrumental in the promotion of traditional and contemporary flamenco music. The city is proud to have such an eloquent citizen and native son in its midst." Mr. Romero graduated from Santa Fe High School and attended the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. During his college years, he studied in Spain with some of the masters of the guitar world including Paco de Lucia and Andre Segovia. His love for Flamenco music was furthered by his older brother, Vicente, who had become an accomplished Flamenco dancer and was considered by many to be the heir-apparent to Jose Greco. In 1999 Mr. Romero was awarded the Best World Music Recording and Best Latin Recording for a CD entitled "Native Flamenco." The same year the Independent Music Awards also awarded him the Best Latin Recording for his "Love & Passion" recording. In January 2006 he was inducted into the elite Association of Fingerstyle Guitarists. The organization is comprised of internationally and nationally known guitarists who have made significant contributions to the art form and whose members include other notable honorary members such as music luminary Chet Atkins. At the time of his death Mr. Romero was co-authoring a book on the Spanish guitar in New Mexico. Because of his stature in the guitar world, the internationally-known publishing house currently plans to complete the work as a celebration of Mr. Romero's life. Mr. Romero's versatility as a performing artist is evident in his solo artistry as well as noted collaborations with Flamenco dance troupes, as well as collaborations with other guitar greats. His recordings received worldwide acclaim including a feature in the 2000 Olympics. Riveting stage performances by Romero included national and international appearances with symphony orchestras around the United States and prestigious Spanish markets. Carrying on the family tradition, Mr. Romero's 18-year old daughter, Maria, was a featured vocalist on this last Christmas project entitled "Adobe Christmas" released in November 2005. Mr. Romero's son, Ramon, has also received recent international attention and awards for his work in musical electronica. Above all, Ruben Romero was a gifted human being who touched the hearts of all he encountered. He will always be deeply missed. Survivors include: Ruben's son, Ramon Romero of Austin, Texas; his daughter, Maria M. Egolf Romero of Santa Fe; their mothers, Deborah Walker and Louise Egolf; sister JoAnn Serna of Pojoaque; brothers Joe and Miguel Romero of Santa Fe; nephews Albert and Vincent Romero; nephew Gilbert, Patricio, and Enrico Serna all of Pojoaque; nieces Diana Lindahl of Connecticut, Russella Serna of Pojoaque and Carmella Serna of Albuquerque; and girlfriend, Mary Meredith. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon on Monday, February 19, 2007, at the St. Francis Basilica in Santa Fe. Following the Mass, Interment is scheduled in the Chapel at the Rosario Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Santa Fe Community Foundation: P.O. Box 1827, Santa Fe, NM 87504. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Services, 1399 Luisa Street, Santa Fe, NM, 87505. (505) 984-8600.
        Published on: Sun February 18, 2007