Robert Martin Blea

Robert Martin Blea Jr. was born March 28, 1956, in Albuquerque NM where he was raised by his grandparents.  Growing up he enjoyed fishing, playing saxophone in the school band and playing as the center of the football team. He grew up on Coal Ave, near the original Stufy’s restaurant, where him and his dog, Snowball, would visit and became the inspiration for their original logo.  He attended Albuquerque High School as part of the last original graduating class of 1974.  He attended UNM where he studied music, after decidingcollege wasn’t his style, he went on to start his first full time band, Curiosity, followed with the band, Jampact.  Last but never least he started the beloved, amazing, and incomparable,Fat City.  Robert was the heart and soul of Fat City, who played together for 40+ years before hanging up their instruments in December 2022.  Robert helped many artists, techs, and musicians not only through the band but also his companies, Melrose & Associates promotions & Unitz Sound Company.  

Robert met the love of his life, Ramona Garcia, in 1975. They were married in December 1979 and lived in Albuquerque where they raised their three children together.  In his free time, he loved family time, Sunday BBQs, going to the casino, and fishing.  Robert had a passion for coaching youth sports, throughout his life he coached YAFL football, junior wrestling, little league baseball and middle school basketball.  Robert loved his grandkids more than anything in this world.  He enjoyed telling them jokes, showing off his dance moves, cheering them on, and teaching them everything he could.

After a long-fought battle with his health, Robert, went to his eternal rest on December 12, 2023, surrounded in love by family and friends.  A celebration mass will be held at Catholic Church of the Ascension, located at 2150 Raymac Rd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105 on January 6, 2024 at 10:00 am.  In lieu of flowers the family has set up an account for donations in Robert’s name, all funds will go to local nonprofits that support young musicians in the New Mexico community.  If you wish to donate you can call, visit a branch or mail a check to Bank of Albuquerque or BOK Financial with the payee listed as: Robert M Blea Memorial Fund.

​Robert is survived by his spouse, Ramona Garcia-Blea; children, Paula Maestas (husband Santiago), Marguerite Blea-Carrillo (husband Marc), and Roberto Blea III (wife Brianna); siblings Rita Atencio, Tanya Nazarian, Mary Jean LeRoy, Ambrose Blea and grandchildren Ambrose Maestas, Ismael Maestas, Max Maestas, Giovani Carrillo & Paisley Blea.  Robert was preceded in death by his grandparents, Filiberto & Rose Blea; father, Robert Blea; mother, Margaret Baca; Sibling, Gilbert Lujan and grandson, Gary Jr Morfin.