Rudy O. Maestas

RUDY O. MAESTAS On August 26th, Rudy O. Maestas took a cruise in his 1957 Chevy up to see St. Peter at Heaven's gate. When he got there, his first question was "what kind of music collection do you have?". For anyone who knew Mr. ROM, as he affectionately like to be called, you knew an intelligent, strongly opinionated, and generous man. Rudy, along with his three brothers Charles, David, and Richard were raised in the Espanola valley to Joe E. (Harpy) and Theresa Maestas. Rudy's fondest memories in his younger years were hanging with his best friends Leroy and Waldo Salazar picking up chicks on the cruise. After high school, Rudy spent a summer picking strawberry in California living with Tia Lena and Harold Jaramillo. Rudy attended NMSU and met Frances Ramirez. They got married and moved to Santa Fe. They raised two daughters, Monica and Christiana. Rudy won a liquor license in a lottery and opened ROM's Liquors which he operated in Los Alamos.  Rudy retired from the NM Highway Department serving as the Bureau Chief for EEOC/Minority Business. During his time at the "Orange Army" as he used to call it, he acquired many lasting friendships including Filemon Olguin, Lance Laliche, Bill Jaramillo, and Michael Padilla. On a fateful day in September at the Santa Fe Fiesta's, he met his forever partner and wife, Deluvina Casias. They spent the last 20 years of their lives doing what they loved best which was travelling, camping, fishing, hunting, and hanging out at his bar with family and friends including Albert Moreno. Some folks didn't know that Rudy was also a poet, some even published in his high school yearbook. Rudy loved his music, especially Elvis, and he didn't care if he blasted it to where the whole neighborhood could hear it. Neighbors affectionately called him "The Mayor". Rudy was the proud "Papa" to his grandson Mateo; whom he loved with all his heart. Rudy was surrounded many family and friends when he passed including his Tio Alex (Juanita), Tio Gilbert (Maria), Tia Lena, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Rudy, we are all grateful for getting to cruise with you. We love you and will miss you greatly. Funeral Mass to be held on Saturday,  September 8, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. Annes Parish, 511 Alicia St. with Reception to follow at the Parish Hall. Arrangements entrusted to the caring professionals of: Riverside Funeral Home of Santa Fe 3232 Cerrillos Road (505) 395-9150