Name: Funeraria Buxeda
Address: San Juan, PR

I have known Alfonso and Melida my whole life as the ones who introduced my parents to one another over 50 years ago. I am grateful to have so many beautiful memories with Alfonso and will always remember his soft and gentle voice. The way his smile and laughter would light up a room, and how tender and loving he always was with Melida. Naima and I will always love you, Alfonso. Please watch over us and may you Rest in Peace. ❤️

Que maravilloso Alfonso Rubiano , el compañero de vida y esposo de Melida , lo recuerdo como un hombre brillante y de paz ,fue maestro de Adriana Ruscalleda en la UPR mi hija que al igual que todos sus estudiantes lo recuerdan con admiracion ,conocí atravez de su familia que fue Atleta y le gustaba la aventura, todos sus sobrinos lo quisieron como a un papá se gano el amor y respeto de todos hoy les doy mi sentido pesame a Melida y familia por su transicion a un mejor mundo con Dios ,Siempre lo recordare con admiración y Cariño.

Siento mucho la pérdida de su ser amado. La muerte de nuestros seres queridos deja un dolor y vacío muy profundo en nuestro corazón. Será la muerte el final de nuestros seres queridos? Jehová nos muestra directamente desde su palabra la Biblia que tenemos la oportunidad de volver a reunirnos con ellos. En el libro de 	Juan 5:28,29(a) promete: No se asombren de esto, porque viene la hora en que todos los que están en las tumbas oirán su voz y saldrán. Imagínese que magnifica bendición eso será! Adonde ocurrirá? Jesús nos dio la respuesta como hizo con Lázaro y otros al ser resucitados: será aquí en la tierra. Como lo sabemos? Salmo 37:29 dice: Los justos heredarán la tierra y vivirán en ella para siempre. Notaron como dice, “Y vivirán en ella (en la tierra) para siempre.”? La tierra volverá a ser un precioso jardín como lo fue antes de que Adan y Eva pecaran. Que tenemos que hacer para estar allí y recibir nuestros seres amados durmiendo en la muerte temporalmente cuando sean  resucitados? Con mucho gusto usando la Biblia se le mostrará. Favor de ir a www.JW.org y deja su información. Es completamente gratuito y con mucho gusto lo ayudaremos. Siento mucho su pérdida y espero poder demostrarle lo que Jehová Dios y su amado hijo Jesús nos dicen en la Biblia para consuelo de todas nuestras penas y tribulaciones.

Mis mas sinceras condolencias a Melida por la partida de Alfonso Rubiano. En esta vida todos estamos de paso a la vida eterna y vamos a la presencia de Nuestro Creador y Señor Cristo Jesus nuestro Salvador. Que descanse en paz.
Amén!

39 years ago in San Francisco at Connie's place
Poncho meeting his second cousin, Katrina.

My connection to Al goes back to the 70's when I was dating my husband Jim.  If you dated Jim, you also dated Al's sister Ines and her husband Chuck, and by extension all the Rubianos.  Jim always thought of the Rubianos as a second family.  Our connection with them has endured over the decades.

Jim and Al shared degrees in English Literature, a love of books and movies, and, perhaps more intensely, a love of tennis.  My earliest memories of Al were being at parties with him hosted by Chuck and Ines and inevitably playing Charades.  Of course, Al offered book titles only familiar to the English majors! Then, there were the summers spent on the courts.  Whenever Al visited Chicago, he would register for an amateur tournament and report on the competition.  When he played with us, there was certainly less competition, but he was always up for more play!  I remember idolizing his powerful, precise backhand.  I was awestruck that he had the opportunity to play virtually every day in PR.

I got to share time with Al and Melida in New York City in 2013 as we and other of his family members gathered for a niece's performance at an arts festival.  The three of us shared a boat ride around Manhattan....past the Statue of Liberty and under the Brooklyn Bridge.  Al always had his camera ready to document these special times! 

I recall an afternoon at the Museum of Contemporary Art in 2014, where, while sitting on the front steps of the building, Al talked with me about the tremors that had begun to appear.  Little did we know then that the disease had started to take hold.

In my last conversation with Al, he talked of his on-line chess playing.  He approached it with the same zeal that he held for tennis.

I will remember Al as a gentle man, thirsty for knowledge, firm in his opinions, fiercely dedicated to his large family (in the U.S., PR, and Columbia), formidable on the tennis court, and always up for a good laugh! My sympathy to all who love Al.

Elsa Aguilera cousin January 15, 2025
To all who loved Poncho and were deeply touched by gentle and kind spirit, may I add how grateful we are to have known his graceful soul.
On January,  20, 1990, Poncho wrote a handwritten  parting letter to my mother, Tía Margotíca, in which he remembered his Californian cousins in  loving,  individual, and thoughtful occasions.
His keen and discerning pen recalled  our specific traits in bygone settings  that alluded to his sensitive and poetic 
nature.
Querida Mélida,
Un fuerte abrazo en este pésame para Tí!

Mis sentidas condolencias por la partida del querido colega y amigo, Alfonso Rubiano, un ser humano maravilloso que siempre tenía una sonrisa a flor de labios, una disposición positiva y un trato amable para todos y todas las que tuvimos el gran privilegio de conocerlo. Compartí con Alfonso muchos de mis años formativos de enseñanza en el Departamento de Inglés, en la Universidad de Puerto Rico. Fue un excelente colega y compartimos a menudo nuestras impresiones sobre la literatura americana, tanto en las asignaturas que dábamos como en las lecturas que más disfrutamos en nuestra profesión. Alfonso fue instrumental en ayudarme a completar mi grado doctoral cuando, siendo director del Departamento, se aseguró que volviera con grado en mano para reintegrarme a la plantilla de profesores luego de mis años de estudio en Boston, Massachusetts. Tuve el honor de celebrar su fiesta de jubilación en mi casa, mostrandole así todo el agradecimiento y el cariño que le tenía y que nos unió por tantos años. Sé que ahora está en un mejor lugar y que, aunque la tristeza nos embarga, algun dia nos volveremos a encontrar....     
Melida, recibe un fuerte abrazo y todo mi amor. Fue muy grato poder dártelo en persona pero se que los dias despues van a ser difíciles para ti y la demás familia por la ausencia de Alfonso.
My dearest Alfonso, fly high, my friend, to that infinite plain where no sorrow, worries, or hurt exist, knowing how much you touched our lives and how deeply you will be missed.

I am sorry to hear about the passing of Alfonso.  He and my husband, his best friend in Bensenville High School and beyond, Hal Janks, are reunited once more, as Hal predeceased « Poncho » in June 2022.
I first met Poncho in Bensenville when Hal introduced  me to him, and asked him to be our Best Man in our wedding.
I will always remember the joy in his beautiful voice when he agreed to be there for us. Alfonso continued to be Hal’s number one guy to call when important things happened in our lives… our babies, career changes, address changes, happy & sad events.
Hal and Alfonso wrote a beautiful friendship story which will be remembered by his wonderful family and friends.
I will always love you Al.❤️

We are deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Alfonso.

We will never forget the wonderful time together with Alfonso, with his wife Mélida and Damari on the Caribbean cruise. We really liked Alfonso because of his friendly and warm manner and he was always enjoyed seeing us in Puerto Rico. He was always very interested to hear from us the political and sports news from Europe, especially from Germany. 

Our thoughts are with Mélida in these difficult times.

Maya and Peter from Bavarian

My most heartfelt condolences to Alfonso’s wife, Melida, and to all those close to him. I remember him as a kind, committed colleague those many years ago at UPR. He always took the time to share a smile and a warm exchange. His retirement party was the last that I recall from our beloved English department. In that way he represented a bygone era of a particularly close camaraderie, a memory for which I am grateful. May he rest in the sweetest peace.

Siempre recordare a mi cunado Alfonso con amor y carino, un maravilloso Ser humano.  Siempre recordaremos aquellas inolvidable travesia que hicimos en barco por el Canal de Panama en su compania, con mi hermana Melida y nuestro sobrino.  
Dios lo tenga en su santa gloria.

Querido Al:
Como un ser de luz , permanecerás en nuestras vidas y en nuestros corazones ♥️. Vuela alto🙏.
Con mucho cariño, 
Candy, Willy, Aleyda, Nicole y Amaya🥰

An extraordinary human being . Highly educated and cultured. A great friend and colleague. He will be missed so much. 
Rest in peace querido Al.

We knew Alfonso and Melida since we were little girls in the 1970s, coming regularly over from Germany to Puerto Rico  for summer vacation to visit our father Manfred and Damari. Alfonso and our father  were very good friends, university colleagues and adventure travel companions for nearly a lifetime. We will never forget the wonderful times we had all together at the beach of Vacia Talega, in El Yunque, and for dinner at his or our house, where he regularly invited us to by saying with a big laugh"Kommen to my Haus":)
We will always keep the memory of Alfonso  in our heart as a very warm hearted, positive minded and humorous person who always enjoyed seeing us over all those decades that we came to the island. 
A lucky man, having such a loving and dedicated guardian angel, Melida, at his side all his life in good and above all in  bad and very difficult times. Now he chose to go to a better world and it is a comfort to know that it is brighter and lighter for him up there. Where he is waiting for us to follow him at some point and get together again...
Manuela and Maya

En nombre de mi esposa, Marcela Rivera Pagán y en el mío propio, Miguel A. Badía Cabrera, le extendemos nuestras más sentidas condolencias a Mélida y los otros miembros de la familia, por el deceso de nuestro querido amigo Alfonso Rubiano Ramírez.
En el 1979, cuando ingresé a la Facultad de Humanidades como profesor del Departamento de Filosofía, Alfonso fue una de las primeras personas que conocí y con la cual entablé amistad. Sentí que con su sonrisa amable y sus ojos vivarachos en mi primera reunión de un comité de facultad me dio la bienvenida más inequívoca a Humanidades. En suma, que me quitó la timidez natural al encontrarme en un ambiente compuesto de colegas que en su mayoría estaba viendo por primera vez, y me hizo sentir en casa.
Tuve la dicha de compartir con Alfonso en diversas actividades y roles por los próximos treinta años. Las notas de su carácter que hacían imposible a quienes lo conocieron no simpatizar con él, pienso que eran su integridad, trato cordial y considerado, su intelecto brillante que siempre destilaba un juicio atinado de las circunstancias e intereses de los demás y mostraba su solidaridad con ellos y, por supuesto, su fino sentido de humor. Creo que hay algo de justicia divina en el hecho de que sus exequias se celebren en la Iglesia de la Paz, pues Alfonso fue, de forma consecuente, un instrumento de paz en el sentido de San Francisco. En el ir y venir de la vida universitaria, en que no son escasos los momentos en que se suscitan disputas y controversias álgidas sobre múltiples asuntos, la presencia y las palabras serenas de Alfonso si no producían un acuerdo inmediato entre todos los involucrados, al menos hacían que los más vocales reconsideraran sus posturas y suavizaran la dureza de sus planteamientos. Pues nadie podía poner en duda su buena fe y razonabilidad.
En fin, que Alfonso vivió una vida plena que impactó positivamente a quienes tuvieron el privilegio de conocerle.

We shared many a laugh (Al had an unmistakable, contagious laugh) over an adult beverage and lots of good times on the tennis court (I don't think I ever won a set--no kidding!).

Rest in peace. 

Jim Callister

Ahi estaremos Mélida, acompañándote para celebrar la vida de Al. Era un profesor y colega que será recordado siempre, por su sabiduría, y eterna alegría y buena onda. Nunca se nos van nuestros amados,  nunca. Viven por siempre en nuestro corazón y recuerdos. Medio siglo te tocó vivir con un esposo ejemplar, eran el uno para el otro. Y como alguna vez escribió el Gabo, "El amor lo derrota todo, incluyendo a la muerte." Vuela alto amigo, con Paz, Amor y rodeado de eterna Luz. Diane y Rody

When we first met in 1980, I gave Poncho a Greek fisherman's cap that he liked. Ever since then, most every time we were together, he wore that cap. When it wore out, he got another, and then another. It became a standard part of his wardrobe for a lifetime. That was definitely the only time I influenced anyone's fashion choices.  I'd like to think that it was partly Poncho finding a way to show his appreciation for a lifetime of friendship.

Poncho — My tio Alfonso Rubiano. I sing of you.

My first memories of him are wrapped up in old pictures from a first visit he and Mélida took to San Francisco some years before I was born to visit my mother (his sister) and my father (a visit that actually happened, no disrespect to Alfonso Sr and Lila, before my mother Constanza and my father Peter were even married) in 1980. 

In those pictures, Poncho (and Méli) are as I remember him — vigorous; vigorous of body (one of those pictures is of Poncho and my dad on a tennis court, on Ponch’s preferred terrain) and vigorous of spirit (that laugh barely suppressed).

And he was vigorous of mind, too. My Tío was a man of his time. Think pre-electric Bob Dylan (here I’ll mention a perennial debate about whether the roadtrip he and my mother — and others — took to the Newport Folk Festival from Chicago in 1965 ended in time for them to see Dylan actually perform with the electric band; this debate is, sadly, ultimately inconclusive, from what I’ve come to understand).

And Poncho was also a man whose tastes were more timeless. Before my freshman year of college, they assigned us to read the The Iliad, and Poncho was one of the few to take interest. Despite his professional life as an English professor, he wasn’t wrapped up in the fact that I’d been assigned a “classic” text, but in the substance of it, in what I made of the writing and the relationships of the characters — at the root of which is, among other things, friendship between human beings. 

It should be said he was a thoughtful and family minded man. In the last decade especially, it was often Poncho who would fire up the Rubiano family emails with anniversary tributes to the birthdays and death dates of Abuelito, Abuelita, and his eldest sister Tia Cita. Those missives often had good dialogue — phrases that captured the language Aubelita or Ines or Lila would speak in. They were mordant and crisp, too. 

We sing of you, Tio. We love you.

It’s so hard to put into words what Alfonso and Melida mean to me and my family. They are my parents’ oldest friends and they have always been family to me. They’ve know me since I was born and now, almost 50 years later, I feel so much gratitude for all the wonderful moments we shared and memories created, memories we will hold in our hearts forever. I am also so grateful that my husband, Gary, and daughter, Viola, were able to know and love Alfonso as well. We will all miss his warmth and big smile, his love of life, laughter and good times. May his memory be a blessing to all. Melida y Alfonso, te queremos muchísimo. ❤️

I first met Alfonso and Melida in the summer of 1980 in San Francisco before Connie and I were married. We had great fun, but I also thought Al was checking me out to see if I would be a suitable husband for his sister. I had to admit that perhaps it was a good idea. 

I must have passed the test, since it's now over 44 years later, and we have shared many good family times together. Most were very happy, some were sad, and all of them were infused by Al’s generous spirit. 

I have vivid memories of our first trip to San Juan in 1986 when Mario was 2 years old and Dalia was yet to join us. Poncho and Mel hosted us in their bright, breezy apartment in Rio Piedras. We had never been to the Caribbean, and they took us on a grand tour. Poncho loved showing us around the island. Our first stop was Ponce where we were generously hosted by Mel's brother Herman and his wife Milagros. Afterward, we went to a stunning, tranquil beach for a few days of warm waters and companionship. I remember wishing, not for the last time, that PR were closer to California.

Querida Melida,

Ahorita estamos pasando por un momento muy triste. Tú y Alfonso se han amado y cuidado profundamente durante más de medio siglo. Así como estuvimos contigo en los momentos felices, estamos contigo ahora en la tristeza. También, nuestros momentos felices siempre brillarán con fuerza en nuestros corazones.

Un gran caballero y un ser humano maravilloso.  Un ser amable y compasivo con todas la personas que lo conocían.

Un gran ejemplo a seguir con esposo y como amigo.

Siempre te recordaremos como el gran ejemplo de lo que debería ser un hombre de verdad.

Queridisima Melida and All who loved Poncho so much,

What an amazing man that has left us way too soon.  Poncho’s character and life he lived is a true testament to the outstanding human being he was in every aspect of life: familial, social, academic and spiritual. 

One of the sweetest memories I have of Poncho is what he would do every year on his birthday.  Poncho would send flowers to his Mother ( my Aunt) in gratitude for giving him birth.  This impressed me profoundly and it is just one example of the tender, loving and thoughtful essence of Poncho. 

Our loving thoughts and Spirit will continue to be with you as this chapter of life proceeds. 

All our love,
Willy Skinner and Margie Montana ( Our Mothers were Sisters)

Aunque hoy escribo estas palabras con el corazón lleno de tristeza, también las lleno de gratitud y amor por todo lo que significaste en mi vida. Fuiste mucho más que un tío; fuiste un padrino de cariño, un padrino que anhele, un guardián de momentos felices y un maestro que me enseñó a amar la literatura.

Desde pequeña, cada vez que me quedaba contigo y con Titi Meli en aquel apartamento que era mi refugio, encontraba en ti una fuente inagotable de amor y sabiduría. Todavía me acuerdo de tu colección de libros que cuidabas con tanto orgullo, como si cada uno de ellos fuera un tesoro. Y lo eran, porque de ellos sacabas las historias que compartías conmigo, las palabras que me leías con tanta pasión y las lecciones de vida que quedaron grabadas en mi corazón. Tu amor por la literatura se convirtió, sin que lo supieras, en una semilla que plantaste en mí. A través de tus palabras y el ejemplo de tu bondad, me enseñaste a buscar siempre algo más profundo.

Hoy me despido de ti con un nudo en la garganta, pero también con la certeza de que seguirás vivo en cada palabra que leo, en cada historia que me conmueva, y en cada recuerdo que guardo de aquellos días junto a ti y Titi Meli. Gracias por todo lo que me diste, por cuidarme y por ser esa figura tan importante en mi vida. Atesoraré por siempre las fotos y los recuerdos que tengo contigo y titi Meli. Guardaré en mi memoria nuestras conversaciones, salidas y los fines de semana que me quedaba con ustedes. Fueron los momentos mas hermosos de mi niñez y juventud. 

Prometo honrar tu memoria, seguir leyendo, seguir aprendiendo, y compartir con mis hijos lo que tú me enseñaste. Te quiero y te adoro. Y le doy Gracias a Dios que pude darte un último abrazo. 

“Aunque digan que el alma muere con el cuerpo, yo sé que quienes amamos nunca se van del todo. Siguen vivos en nuestras palabras, en nuestras acciones y en el eco de los recuerdos.”
 — Victor Hugo

A pesar de haber vivido siempre en países diferentes, seguramente el lazo de sangre que me une a Ponchito y una conexión especial que desde niña tuve con él, me traen hoy a esta Isla que lo acogió desde hace tantos años y que lo despide de este plano terrenal hoy.
La primera vez que vi a Ponchito fue justamente acá en San Juan, cuando mis padres decidieron justo por esta  época navideña hace 44 años venir de vacaciones por un mes… son vagos lo recuerdos que tengo de ese entonces,  pero puedo recrear muchos momentos de tan cálidas vacaciones con las fotos que hoy guardo en casa. Unos años después, fue Ponchito quien viajó a Bogotá para mi primera comunión; en mi memoria guardo esa imagen de verlo aun con su poblada barba negra y su sonrisa amable y amorosa.  A lo largo de los años, siempre se mantuvo en contacto con su querida prima Sylviecita, mi mamá QEPD.  Ese contacto nos permitía saber de su vida y de sus vivencias. Recuerdo los largos y agradables correos electrónicos escritos por él a mi mamá, con una redacción fascinante; era exquisito leerlo, de verdad. 
La imagen de Ponchito siempre estuvo presente en mi vida. Tener la fortuna de haberlo recibido en Bogotá para mi Boda, haber viajado a San Juan con Juanita mi hija apenas de meses de nacida y compartir con él y por supuesto con Mel; una mujer que representa lo que significa amar sin condición. Qué fortuna haber podido compartir momentos importantes de mi vida con Ponchito; qué fortuna tener a Melida en mi vida, en la de Charlie mi esposo y en  la de Juanita. Qué fortuna la de todos aquellos que han tenido la oportunidad de disfrutar charlas, momentos, sonrisas y abrazos con esta pareja ejemplar. Poncho y Mélida siempre serán un referente en mi vida.  
Ponchito, vuela alto! Feliz regreso al Hogar. Abraza fuerte a mi mamá y celebren esta trascendencia. Mel, te honro y te abrazo fuerte. Eres una mujer valiente.

Con cariño, Sylvia Ines.

Querida Melida,

Ahorita estamos pasando por un momento muy triste. Tú y Alfonso se han amado y cuidado profundamente durante más de medio siglo. Así como estuvimos contigo en los momentos felices, estamos contigo ahora en la tristeza. También, nuestros momentos felices siempre brillarán con fuerza en nuestros corazones.

I first met Alfonso and Melida in the summer of 1980 in San Francisco before Connie and I were married. We had great fun, but I also thought Al was checking me out to see if I would be a suitable husband for his sister. I had to admit that perhaps it was a good idea. 

I must have passed the test, since it's now over 44 years later, and we have shared many good family times together. Most were very happy, some were sad, and all of them were infused by Al’s generous spirit. 

I have vivid memories of our first trip to San Juan in 1986 when Mario was 2 years old and Dalia was yet to join us. Poncho and Mel hosted us in their bright, breezy apartment in Rio Piedras. We had never been to the Caribbean, and they took us on a grand tour. Poncho loved showing us around the island. Our first stop was Ponce where we were generously hosted by Mel's brother Herman and his wife Milagros. Afterward, we went to a stunning, tranquil beach for a few days of warm waters and companionship. I remember wishing, not for the last time, that PR were closer to California. 

When we first met in 1980, I gave Poncho a Greek fisherman's cap that he liked. Ever since then, most every time we were together, he wore that cap. When it wore out, he got another, and then another. It became a standard part of his wardrobe for a lifetime. That was definitely the only time I influenced anyone's fashion choices.  I'd like to think that it was partly Poncho finding a way to show his appreciation for a lifetime of friendship.

Try as I might, I never beat him at tennis, and he was always a gracious winner.

When I was about 7 or 8 my big brother, Poncho ( or Poncholine as our mother sometimes called him) was about 16 or 17. One summer afternoon he was giving me a ride on his bike. I was sitting 'side saddle' right in front of him on the cross bar. One of my feet became caught in the spokes of the front tire and we both fell down hard. I'm sure I began to cry as we both struggled to get up. My knees and palms were scraped and a little bloody. What I remember most clearly was the look of concern and even fright on his face... for me!!! It was the look of a loving brother for the welfare of his little sister. Even then I thought it was a special look because, well, because it was. My brother who mostly ignored me or teased me really actually loved me. LUCKY ME!!
There were, through the subsequent years, other times he made me feel the specialness of a brother's love and empathy- priceless gifts I will always be thankful to him for.
I love you, big brother.
Mimi

Querida Melida,
 
Ahorita estamos pasando por un momento muy triste. Tú y Alfonso se han amado y cuidado profundamente durante más de medio siglo. Así como estuvimos contigo en los momentos felices, estamos contigo ahora en la tristeza. También, nuestros momentos felices siempre brillarán con fuerza en nuestros corazones.

I first met Alfonso and Melida in the summer of 1980 in San Francisco before Connie and I were married. It was great fun, but I also thought Al was checking me out to see if I would be a suitable husband for his sister. I had to admit that perhaps it was a good idea. 
I must have passed the test, since it's now over 44 years later, and we have shared many good family times together. Most were very happy, some were sad, and all of them were infused by Al’s generous spirit. 

I have vivid memories of our first trip to San Juan in 1986 when Mario was 2 years old and Dalia was yet to join us. Poncho and Mel hosted us in their bright, breezy apartment in Rio Piedras . We had never been to the Caribbean, and they took us on a grand tour. Poncho loved showing us around the island. Our first stop was Ponce where we were generously hosted by Mel's brother Herman and his wife Milagros. Afterward, we went to a stunning, tranquil beach for a few days of warm waters and companionship. I remember wishing, not for the last time, that PR were closer to California. 

When we first met in 1980, I gave Poncho a Greek fisherman's cap that he liked. Ever since then, most every time we were together, he wore that cap. When it wore out, he got another, and then another. It became a standard part of his wardrobe for a lifetime. That was definitely the only time I influenced anyone's fashion choices.  I'd like to think that it was partly Poncho finding a way to show his appreciation for a lifetime friendship.

Oh and by the way, I always tried to beat him in tennis. It never happened, and he was always a gracious winner.

What a funny, intelligent, curious and hilarious human you were. A fierce tennis player and voracious reader.  A teacher and life long learner, you tried to teach me tennis-I was no good-but you also taught me how to laugh and how to analyze and how to talk about books and movies in a thoughtful and discerning way.  I love you Críspin. Thank you.  And Melida, I love you, too. Thank you for doing so much for Poncho and for never, ever relenting in your love for him. So grateful for you. xoxo Jenny  Bosworth, Daughter of Ines Bosworth (sister of Alfonso Rubiano)

Ponchito: 
Lo único constante en esta vida es el cambio, la transformación y la trascendencia.  Ha llegado tu momento para viajar hacia un plano diferente dentro de esta inmensidad… ¡¡y vieras la falta que nos vas a hacer!!

Gracias infinitas por habernos tratado como si fuéramos tus hijos, con tanto amor, dulzura, cariño y hospitalidad.

Un abrazo cuántico,

Charlie, Sylvia, Antonia y Juanita
Colombia

What do I remember most about my dear brother-in-law? His dedication to teaching​, his love for his students, and his deep and abiding love of literature! One of my most vivid memories is a meandering road trip with Poncho, Melida, and Diane, headed for San Francisco in spring 2003. While stuffing ourselves with too many delicious strawberries bought at a roadside stand, Ponch describ​e​d in great detail ​the works of his favorite authors, from Shakespeare to Jane Austen. As we reached Monterey and walked ​a​long Cannery Row, I learned much more about John Steinbeck than I ever knew before. Poncho’s full-blown enthusiasm for life was a gift that I’ll always remember.

My dear brother, with the seven years between us, we really never hung out together as kids. We then went our separate ways, you so far to PR, I to Seattle. We saw each other in Bensenville, but in the crazy, fun chaos with all the family, we never found ourselves together, alone. So today, I’m grateful to have had all those many phone conversations during the past few years. I feel we came to know each other so much more. I’m glad to have recorded many of those talks. When I’m able, I’ll listen to your voice once again and remind myself of all you loved to talk about: our Colombian family, literature, movies, life in the Caribbean, U.S. politics, Leon Trotsky, your love of chess, and so much more. I admired your scope of knowledge that included even trivial-sounding stuff… like the meaning of every symbol in a U.S. dollar bill! I will always miss you, Ponch, and your beautiful smile.

Sweet memories of our cruise around Manhattan.

Las primas visitando Viejo San Juan in April 2016

Conocí a Alfonso en 1973, cuando, siendo jóvenes académicos recién llegados, nos encontramos por primera vez en la entrada del Departamento de Inglés. Este Departamento sería el hogar académico de Alfonso, mientras que yo me dirigiría a los Departamentos de Lenguas Extranjeras y Literatura Comparada, que serían los míos. Nos hicimos grandes amigos de inmediato y, un año después, con su esposa Mélida, mi esposo Manfred, Tom Noel y Carmecita, éramos como una familia. Así que, aunque nuestro primer contacto se dio en el ámbito académico y seguimos siendo colegas académicos compartiendo un interés común por la traducción y la novela inglesa, fomentado por continuas conversaciones sobre estos temas, los recuerdos que recojo aquí son de naturaleza más personal.
Con un poco del espíritu de Indiana Jones, Alfonso, Tom y Manfred se unieron a Gerald Guinness y otros en las aventuras de senderismo del “Explorer’s Club” en Puerto Rico y la República Dominicana, incluyendo la escalada al Pico Duarte, escoltados por guardias armados, bajo fuertes lluvias y una densa niebla – hay fotos que lo atestiguan. Con Mark Schnitzer y Tom, Alfonso también participó en las comelatas gastronómicas de “la grande bouffe” en lugares remotos, donde ninguna cantidad de comida era demasiado excesiva. En las canchas de tenis del Recinto de Río Piedras de la UPR, Alfonso fue mi compañero de dobles mixtos, y tengo los trofeos que muestran nuestras victorias como campeones en esta categoría. Alfonso tenía muchos intereses, pero me atrevería a decir sin equivocarme que el tenis era su verdadera pasión, o al menos, lo que comúnmente se refiere como su “punto débil”.
Alfonso y Mélida, tanto individualmente como en pareja, han sido la verdadera definición de la amistad. Me entristece profundamente tener que despedirme de Alfonso.  Afortunadamente, existen la memoria y los recuerdos, así que siempre permanecerá, como Manfred, en mi corazón y en mi recuerdo. Siempre será Alfonsus Magnus para mí.

I have known Alfonso since 1973, when, as recently arrived young scholars, we met in the doorway of the English Department. This Department was to be Alfonso’s Academic home while I went on to the Departments of Foreign Languages and Comparative Literature, which were to be mine.  We became fast friends right away and a year later, with his wife Mélida, my husband Manfred, Tom Noel and Carmecita, we were like family. So even though we met in an academic environment and were academic colleagues that shared a common interest in translation and the English novel, nurtured by continuous conversations on these topics, my memories here are of a more personal nature. 
A bit of the Indiana Jones spirit in them, Alfonso, Tom, and Manfred joined Gerald Guiness and others in the hiking adventures of the Explorer’s Club in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, including climbing Pico Duarte, escorted by armed guards, under heavy rains and a thick fog – there are photos to prove it.  With Mark Schnitzer and Tom, he also participated in the eating fantasies of “la grande bouffe” in remote places, where no eating quantity was ever too much.  On the UPRRP tennis courts, Alfonso was my mixed doubles partner, and I have the trophies that show our victories as mixed doubles champions. Alfonso had many interests, but I would venture to say without being mistaken that tennis was his true passion, or at least, what is commonly referred to as his “soft spot”. 
Alfonso and Mélida, individually and as a couple, have been the very definition of friendship. It saddens me to no end to have to say goodbye to Alfonso, but I believe that his departure was a relief for him.  Fortunately, memory and memories exist, so he will always remain, like Manfred, in my heart and in my thoughts. He will always be Alfonsus Magnus for me. 
Damari Vilar

Many lovely memories, but here is Poncho visiting us in Jamaica on his way to interview for a professorship in Puerto Rico.  Always humble, thoughtful, anxious for the next tennis game, he was here on the cusp on a new life.
Leon asked him at this time to recommend his favorite current author and book.....after some thought, he chose Ken Kesey and 'Sometimes A Great Notion'.  
On a subsequent backpacking trip into the Tetons, a paperback of 'Sometimes A Great Notion' occupied a space in my pack to be read deep in the mountain wilderness.  As I read, trumpeter swans flying overhead and trout jumping in the cool mountain lake were our only company and the hikers awaiting their turn to read.  So, about 1/3 of the way into the book, I tore out those read pages and passed it to the next reader, that reader passed the first 1/3 on to the next while I tore out the next 1/3.  So, we were all reading the same book at the same time and thinking of Poncho.  We knew he would have loved this and that Ken Kesey would have loved it as well.
More visits over the years, but never enough.  We cherish our memories with Poncho and Melida and Connie and family.  Our memories will be shared whenever we are able to gather.  We were fortunate to have known the kind, loving, intelligent, humble human that was Poncho.

Dear tío,
I will always remember your sing-song voice, how you'd make jokes and chuckle at them before continuing your stories, how much you knew about so many topics (books, writing, political theory, history, etc). I loved talking to you about literature, especially Colombian authors, about Puerto Rican politics, about latinidad, about the Spanish language, about our family in Colombia and your stories from your travels. You always called me Dal and you were so happy to talk with me. You wrote me an email when I was in a hard period in my life and it was the kindest, most thoughtful and well written message I've received. I'm so sorry I couldn't make it here in time to hug you - I will say goodbye to you and your spirit in my meditations and walks. I love you, always.
Tu sobrina, 
Dalia

The world has lost an amazing human.....we were privileged to have had him as a friend for many years.  
As a PHD candidate in 1972, he found that a meaningful position was difficult to find.  On his way to interview for a professorship in Puerto Rico, he stopped and spent Christmas holidays with us in Kingston, Jamaica where we were living and working.  Connie was with us also.  Many adventures and a meeting with Errol Campbell ensued.
Before he departed for PR, Leon asked him his favorite current author and book.  Ken Kesey, 'Sometimes A Great Notion' was his answer after some thought.
The following summer, on an extensive backpacking journey in the The Grand Tetons, 'Sometimes A Great Notion' was in my backpack.  After reading about 1/3 of it, with others in our group waiting to read it after me, I tore the first third out of the book and passed it to the next reader.  A day later,  I tore the second 1/3 out and passed it forward, so 3 of us were reading it at the same time while camped around a mountain lake deep in the wilderness.  I knew Poncho would have loved this and so would Ken Kesey.                                                     More visits over the years, but never often enough.  We have and will always hold you close in our hearts, Poncho.  Melida, Connie and family we are so sorry for the loss your dear husband and brother, Uncle and brother-in-law.  We will all share our memories of him whenever we are together.    With love, Gail & Leon

Querido tio Alfonso
Siempre te llevaré en mi corazón, porque en poco tiempo supiste trasmitirme sabiduría y simplicidad con carisma y humildad.
Solo  espero que seas siempre en la luz.




Familia Roman y D'angelo

Dear Poncho,
When I went away to college in '67 to the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana you returned there to get your Master's in Comparative Literature.  It was so great to be there with you at the same time.  That November you threw me a surprise birthday party when I turned 18.  That was so thoughtful and loving of you.
I'll bet  it wasn't easy to grow up the only son of Alfonso y Lila with four sisters!  But as I moved into young adulthood, you were often protective of me in those crazy '60's.  I loved that our politics were always aligned.  You were smart and funny and always up for new adventures.  Thank you for letting me tag along on some of them.
I am so glad your suffering is over.  Wherever you are in the Universe may it be another grand adventure.  I'll miss you forever dear Poncho.
Querida Melida,
Lo siento tanto que se  fue tu adorado Al.  No tengo palabras para agradecer todo lo que hiciste por el.  Te quiero mucho.

So sorry to hear Al is no longer with us. I remember the first time we met in the hallway of the Dept in 1987 or so, -- the very interesting cross cultural conversation spanning PR, the US, Colombia and India was the hallmark of our future encounters. In the early nineties, Al, Melida, Bernie, Alicia , myself and others were in a galloping gourmet club and i have very pleasant memories.  Al was always genial, interested in people, enthusiastic. I have very fond memories. May he rest in peace.
Deepest condolences to Melida and his family.
Nalini Natarajan

Paz en su tumba y feliz encuentro con el Creador en las puertas del Paraiso; fortaleza para Melida y las queridas primas y familia.

Querido Alfonso,

Hoy me cuesta mucho aceptar que ya no estás con nosotros. Eres alguien a quien admiraba profundamente y con quien disfrutaba pasar tiempo. Extrañaré esas conversaciones que teníamos, llenas de tus historias, tu sabiduría y ese toque especial que siempre aportabas.

Nunca olvidaré cómo te emocionabas cuando te enseñaba cosas sobre computadoras; tu curiosidad y tus ganas de aprender me inspiraban. También me encantaba verte hablar con tanto entusiasmo de tus viajes, del tenis que tanto amabas y, sobre todo, del profundo amor que sentías por titi Melida. Ese amor era palpable, un ejemplo hermoso de lo que significa cuidar y valorar a alguien.

Eras una persona excepcional: educado, apasionado y siempre dispuesto a compartir tus conocimientos y experiencias. Tu ausencia deja un vacío enorme en nuestras vidas, pero me consuela saber que el legado que dejas es imborrable. Gracias por todo lo que me enseñaste, por tu cariño y por ser parte de mi vida.

Te llevo en mi corazón, siempre. Descansa en paz, Alfonso.

Padrino mío! The kindest, sweetest, smartest, loving, and supportive padrino a girl could ask for. Padrino I pray that you are at peace! You will continue to shine on us. Titi, I love you and I pray for your peace as well! Forever in my heart! Forever in spirit by my side. Xoxo

Aunque hoy escribo estas palabras con el corazón lleno de tristeza, también las lleno de gratitud y amor por todo lo que significaste en mi vida. Fuiste mucho más que un tío; fuiste un padrino que anhele, un guardián de momentos felices y un maestro que me enseñó a amar los libros, la literatura, y la magia de las historias.

Desde pequeña, cada vez que me quedaba contigo y con Titi Meli en aquel apartamento que era mi refugio, encontraba en ti una fuente inagotable de amor y sabiduría. Todavía puedo ver esa colección de libros que cuidabas con tanto orgullo, como si cada uno de ellos fuera un tesoro. Y lo eran, porque de ellos sacabas las historias que compartías conmigo, las palabras que me leías con tanta pasión y las lecciones de vida que quedaron grabadas en mi corazón.

Tu amor por la literatura se convirtió, sin que lo supieras, en una semilla que plantaste en mí. A través de tus palabras y el ejemplo de tu bondad, me enseñaste a buscar siempre algo más profundo, a encontrar consuelo en las historias y a comprender el mundo con empatía y curiosidad.

Hoy me despido de ti con un nudo en la garganta, pero también con la certeza de que seguirás vivo en cada palabra que leo, en cada foto que tengo , y en cada recuerdo que guardo de aquellos días junto a ti y Titi Meli en su apartamento. Gracias por todo lo que me diste, por cuidarme y por ser esa figura tan importante en mi vida. 

Prometo honrar tu memoria, seguir leyendo, seguir aprendiendo, y compartir con mis hijos lo que tú me enseñaste: que en los libros, como en la vida, siempre hay algo hermoso por descubrir. Te recordare por siempre. Te quiero y te adoro. 

“Aunque digan que el alma muere con el cuerpo, yo sé que quienes amamos nunca se van del todo. Siguen vivos en nuestras palabras, en nuestras acciones y en el eco de los recuerdos.”
— Victor Hugo

Tio Alfonso siempre estaras ahi para nosotros, no importa que tan grande sea la distancia que nos separe.  Siempre sentiremos cerca sus recuerdos y nunca olvidaremos que tan grande fue el carino que nos unian como familia.  
Su sencillez, sabiduria y amor perdurara siempre entre nosotros.

Familia Roman Oursland

I remember fondly our animated conversations between classes at UPR.  Al’s unlimited enthusiasm, true devotion to his students and great sense of humor made everyone’s time there more hopeful and joyous. I wish his last years could have been more enjoyable. I will miss Al  and can imagine his happiness as a free soul. Deepest condolences. I regret that I will be away this week.

Cuando alguien que amamos muere, no hay forma de evitar la tristeza y tener un vacío en el corazón, pero tenemos la paz y el consuelo que ya está junto a Nuestro Padre Celestial. 
Nuestro más sentido pésame.

Familia Monteza Gallardo.

Tio Alfonso was a great, soulful, and peaceful person—the kind of person who made everyone feel comfortable around him. He always cared deeply for the people he loved, checked in on everyone, and offered a big smile and a warm hug whenever it was needed. Every time I think about him, only good things come to mind. Even during his struggles, he always made space to share wise advice, reminding you that everything would be okay.

I’m sure he lived a good life. He had so many stories to tell—proof that he cherished every experience and memory he had. He loved his family deeply and acted as a father figure to my dad, and therefore, like a grandparent to me. I hold a special place in my heart for him and Titi Mel.

I know he’s watching over us now, at peace, sending us his love and a comforting hand to hold in spirit. We love you, Tio, and I’m so grateful to call you family. You’ll always have a place in my heart.

Querida Mélida, 
Hace mucho tiempo que no nos hemos visto pero les recuerdo con el cariño de siempre. 
Recibe mis más sentidas condolencias por la partida del querido Alfonso.
Sinceramente,
Ana María Rosado

When sadness overcomes us and we feel hopeless remember Psalm 38. 

"I am ready to fall, 
and my pain is ever with me.
My heart throbs, 
my strength fails me.
And the light of my eyes, 
even that has gone from me.
 And yet I know the Lord is with me
My Tennis Partner, Al Rest in Peace.
Symon Monu (Maryland USA)

Hoy es un día triste para quienes te conocimos y compartimos parte de tu vida. Alfonso, siempre vivirás en nuestros corazones y tu memoria será una luz que permanecerá encendida, gracias por esos momentos vividos. Descansa en paz, te recordare  con cariño y gratitud , que Dios te bendiga por siempre.
Nubia Puerta

Siempre recuerdo a Alfonso como un colega y amigo, siempre cordial y caballeroso. Un gran abrazo, Mélida.

Dios lo tenga en su Gloria.  Lo recordaré como un hombre simpático y amable. Mis padres disfrutaban de su compañía mucho.  Un gran caballero.

Professor Alfonso Rubiano was and will forever be a truly magnificent colleague and FRIEND! In the late 1990s, and with a MA degree in Linguistics, I walked into the main office of the English Department with my CV in hand, along with my hopes and aspirations of one day receiving the opportunity to teach a course in the department. At that time, I was a teacher at a private school in Santurce.  I was at the very least hoping to make an appointment to see the director. The secretary announced my arrival to the then Department Chair, Dr. Rubiano, who so graciously invited me into his office. I will never forget that conversation which I had with Dr. Rubiano, whom I was meeting for the first time. He gladly accepted my CV. He left an indelible impression upon me, which I shall never forget.
Only a few days later, I received word from Dr. Rubiano that I had been assigned to teach an ESL corse course on Saturdays during the following academic semester.  A few weeks later, the English Department that I would also be teaching an additional ESL course. 

It is thanks in great part to the figure of Dr. Alfonso Rubiano that I was granted the high honor and privilege to be a professor at te University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus! 
Alfonso Rubiano has been an inspiration in my academic life on campus since I first met him. 
His glowing warmth, enthusiasm for sports, culture, academia, solidarity, and lasting smile are only a small portion of his magnificent legacy! Our university community as well as Puerto Rico have so much to be grateful for as fellow colleagues, students and friends of Dr. Alfonso Rubiano.

Phyllis Kopriva and I met Alfonso on a trip to Puerto Rico, as his sister Inez was a good friend of ours. It was nice to stay connected with him. My sincerest condolences to you and his family.  
Camille Oldenburg

Mi mas sincera condolencia a Melida y familia por la pérdida de su esposo de muchos años Alfonso.
Que Dios lo tenga en la gloria eterna.
La muerte es solamente una transición de este mundo al paraíso de Dios. Donde no hay sufrimiento, ni dolor, ni enfermedad. Solamente hay amor, paz y alegría.

Conocimos a Alfonso en el 1972, cuando el empezó como profesor de inglés en la Universidad Católica de Ponce, PR.  El nuevo "profe" era muy "hip", barbudo, jugador de tenis, con su "volky".  Y por su puesto su "chica" Melida, que era una "vedette".  Una pareja muy linda!! Me acuerdo de nuestros viajes a la playa de Guánica y Boquerón.  Qué bueno lo pasamos! Ellos se casaron el mismo fin de semana que nació nuestra primera hija Loaíza. Y lo mucho que Al y Joe compartieron mientas Melida me enseñaba a como ser mamâ. Hemos compartido tantos momentos importantes y maravillosos en nuestras vidas. Somos familia y nos queremos mucho. Mi querido Al, nos vemos en el otro lado del universo. Te queremos mucho y siempre te recordaremos.

Preparándose para correr bicicleta en Concord, CA, en el 2012, con Joe y Carmen Ortiz.

En la catedral de San Juan, PR, durante la boda de nuestra sobrina Aleyda en Marzo del 2019. Un día muy bonito para nosotros.

Aqui estamos corriendo bicis en Concord, CA en el 2012. Ese dia la tandem de Joe y Carmen tuvo problemas,  con la caden. Podemos llegar hasta REI para arreglarla. Volvimos a la ruta y seguimos nuestro camino. Fuimos a almorzar a Walnut Creek.  Que buenos momentos!

Con Joe Ortiz en el 2012. Amigos para siempre!

Alfonso nos visitó en el 2012 y fuimos a corre bicis en Concord, CA, en el 2012. --Joe y Carmen y Ortiz.

Alfonso me enseño el amor por la lectura de fantasía y ciencia ficción. Me regalo mi primera copia de Harry Potter a los 11 años y me introdujo al fabuloso mundo de la magia de JK Rowling. Recuerdo con mucha alegría como discutimos la serie, y todos los libros que me regalo a través de mi vida que todavía los tengo (Historia General de Puerto Rico, El Principito, The Lord of the Rings).

Ahora paso esas tradiciones a mis niños, en especial a Sofía que es amante a la lectura. Alfonso siempre será una persona especial en mi vida y lo recordaré como el mentor que fue.

Nuestro más sentido pésame para Doña Mélida y toda la familia!  
Un privilegio haber conocido y compartido con Don Alfonso. Un gran caballero y ser humano!
Dios le conceda el descanso eterno 🙏🏻

When someone you love dies, it's always such a shock.  You always think there's going to be more time.  It was so hard to communicate with Poncho near the end.  I kept trying to figure out how to fix it, but couldn't.  My trip with him down the California coast in 1967 was one of the best times of my life.   I will miss him always.

Words fail me.  My deepest condolences to Melida and the family.      

Love,
     Shelley

To Alfonso's family~
I met Al through my partner Shelley Simon.  A bond was forged through our mutual love of poetry. I remember our long walks together discussing  so many things beyond poetry. For Al was a lover of life and and everything goodness encompassed.  In our lives, few people come along with the beautiful tenderness Al shared with his friends and family. He was a gift and his memory I will cherish for years to come.

OBITUARIO

Alfonso Rubiano Ramírez

23 julio, 1945 – 4 enero, 2025

Funeraria y Columbario Del Angel Buxeda

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