ADRIAN HERMINIO BUSTAMANTE, Ph.D.
Adrian Herminio Bustamante, Ph.D., died on January 17, 2022. He was born in Pecos, New Mexico on May 16, 1935 to Aniceto and Agapita Bustamante.
Adrian is survived by his wife of 48½ years, Rebecca “Becky” Bustamante; daughter Ana Presa (Manolo Bello); grandsons Pablo and Adrian; sisters, Rose Marie Velarde (Ray Velarde) and Leticia Koppa; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and godchildren.
Adrian received his doctorate degree in American Studies from UNM. His dissertation was on Northern New Mexico ancestry. He spent over forty years teaching. First as a La Salle Christian Brother for thirteen years; then as college professor and administrator in higher education at: UNM; Northern NM College; Santa Fe Community College and Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO.
Adrian loved history, especially the history of New Mexico; doing research and teaching; was very proud of his heritage and proud that his first language was Spanish. He served on many boards and commissions and especially enjoyed those that reflected culture and heritage. Among them was serving as President of the Museum of New Mexico Board of Regents; the New Mexico Quincentenary Commission and Board Member and Chairman of the History Task Force of Santa Fe’s Cuartocentinario (400th) celebration.
Due to COVID restriction, burial services were delayed until May. Rosary will be recited Sunday May 15, 2022 and 4:00 pm, Berardinelli Funeral Home; Burial Mass at Cristo Rey Catholic Church, Monday, May, 16, 2022, (his 87th Birthday) at 10:00 am; Internment will follow at Rosario Cemetery.
Pallbearers are: Maurice Bonal; Clay Hibbs; Gerald Maestas; and Ray Velarde. Honorary Pallbearers are “Koffee Klatch” members: Larry Anaya; Mariano Chavez; Nash Garcia; Eddie “Peabody” Ortiz; and Richard “Peanuts” Madrid.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Adrian Bustamante Tuition Assistance Fund, St. Michael’s High School, 100 Siringo Rd, Santa Fe, nm 87505.
Published by Santa Fe New Mexican from May 6 to May 11, 2022.
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