1943
2014
Alberto Bernardino Paz, age 70, tango historian, teacher, and dancer, passed away on February 3, 2014. Argentine born, in the Northern province of Tucuman, he moved with his family to Buenos Aires at the age of 9 months. He graduated from the School of Electrical Engineering of the University of Buenos Aires. In 1968, at age 25, he moved to the United States, becoming a proud citizen in 1985. He lived in California, working for high-tech video companies, founding his own in the 1980s. During the 1980's he also worked at San Francisco's radio station KIQI as a soccer announcer and color commentator. In 1990 he produced a night-time program playing South American music, that rapidly became a popular all tango music program. For 18 years, with his beloved partner, Valorie Hart, he performed, gave master classes, lectured, and conducted workshops in cities across America, as well as in Italy, Portugal , the UK, the Netherlands, Germany and the Philippines. Alberto and Valorie migrated to New Orleans in 2000, establishing a vital tango community, hosting and teaching tango. They wrote the seminal book, "Gotta Tango," and were instrumental in developing new communities, training qualified local teachers and encouraging efforts to preserve, foster and educate people on the core social and cultural values of the Argentine Tango music, poetry and dance. Alberto is survived by his wife, Valorie Hart, son, Alberto Paz Jr., daughter, Maria Eugenia (Gina) Staropoli, grandson, Dylan Paz, sister Noemi Paz-Palacios , niece, Carla Palacios, and nephew, Arial Palacios. Family and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Service to be held at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal Street in New Orleans, on Saturday February 15, 2014 at 12pm. Visitation will begin at 11am and continue until Service time. In lieu of flowers, please send donations via Paypal to [email protected]. Condolences may be expressed at www.schoencanalstreet.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by His wife, Valorie Hart.
February 28, 2014
Carey Reimer
The words I write here have been typed and back spaced, written and deleted, thought and discarded repeatedly these past two weeks. I have no memory to share, Valorie, of time spent with you and Alberto. We've not been face to face in person, not even voice to voice on the phone. But your loss has shaken me and kept you in my thoughts and prayers all month. You are close and known to me thanks to blogs, websites, and email. Through those world-shrinking technologies, my world expanded to include you, which of course meant including Alberto.
Those of us who follow your blog learned so much about Alberto because you overflowed with your love, appreciation, admiration, and passion for your Tango Man. Though I never made it to New Orleans for tango lessons (I wanted Alberto to make me cry:-), I did develop a love for the music because of you two. Shortly after I began to follow your blog, I became curious about Tango music and created a Pandora station for it. Awesome! For me, there was no tango or tango music before there was Valorie & Alberto, so the link will always be there in my mind and heart.
So if anyone asks, it's true that I did not know Alberto. But here is what I'm pretty sure I know, Valorie: Alberto loved you, respected you, took delight in you, protected you with ferocity and stood up for you passionately. He could be breathtakingly elegant and disarmingly funny. He was traditionally romantic, creative, skilled, never bored, never boring. He was your biggest fan and you were his. Did you heal one another? I think you did.
All the sweet words in the world cannot fill the spot where Alberto should be, I know. But I hope that as time passes, Valorie, and you find your balance again, there will be some comfort in knowing who Alberto was because of you and who you are because of him. God bless you, my friend.
February 26, 2014
Yvonne Meissner
As already said on that day, Alberto's goodbye still shakes my memories holding my love Eduardo Aguirre in my arms vanishing. Words are difficult. Sure both are dancing tangos together up there, where all is one, Edu the tangos with piccaditas and Alberto the ones with suspensiones.... Valorie, be embraced. Alberto buen viaje en paz....
February 23, 2014
Heidi Sinclair
Thanks to you and Alberto for always being so bright and engaged and welcoming. Our tango nights with you on Octavia street were always a highlight. I was so glad you returned after Katrina - happy to see you about town or to read about your adventures. I enjoyed rapping politics and culture with Alberto on FB these past few years - he never failed to express himself with the passion he had for life, love, dance, music, community and conversation. We will miss you, Alberto.
Love,
February 23, 2014
Lisa Conrad
Alberto my sweet friend, you are already missed so much by so many! I feel lucky, and blessed to have known you. I know Valorie aches for you to be her with her. I also know that you are, and always will be watching over her with love...If you run into my dog Beau up in heaven will you please give him a hug for me! Thanks Love Lisa Conrad
February 21, 2014
Wanda
Remembering always how you both introduced me to your beloved Tango Argentino and guided me through my first steps and my first lesson… for which I will be always grateful. My deepest sympathy Valorie... may he rest in peace.
February 21, 2014
I feel like I knew Alberto, from reading your loving stories about him.
I am mourning the death of my husband and I am so very sorry that you are going through this too. Time, time helps and all those wonderful memories that make you cry and smile and feel close to him. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Candice ( NY , formerly Buenos Aires)
February 21, 2014
Gayle Madeira
Alberto I miss you! I did not know you for long enough, only the past several short years, but I miss you and can't imagine how much people miss you who knew you for many years. Valorie I send you a huge hug and wishes for peace in your heart. All my love, Gayle
February 20, 2014
Howard and Carol Allen
Valorie , we remember you and Albert visiting our country barn/lodge/studio in north Collins as part of your workshops in Buffalo, NY several years ago. are so sorry to learn of Albert's passing.
February 19, 2014
From his beginning here ,until his last day, he was our teacher. He'll always be my Tango Teacher. God rest his soul , and Bless his wonderful wife and partner. aaron
February 19, 2014
Suzanne
Dear Valorie, It was a beautiful service and tribute to Alberto. I'll miss his warm welcome, always in the kitchen. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love, Suzanne
February 19, 2014
We have never met, but through your blog I have felt your deep loss. Your husband sounds like he was an amazing man with a zest for life. You will be in my prayers in the days ahead.
Jennifer Rambo
Hilton Head, South Carolina
February 19, 2014
Victoria Zlotkowski
Dear Valorie, we are so sorry for you enormous loss! Alberto was such a fine man! We are thinking of you! Love to you! Victoria & Mirek
February 19, 2014
Margaret
Dearest Valorie,
Although we have never met, I feel that we would be able to sit and converse like old friends.. My prayers are that your dear friends comfort, and encourage you, during this healing time. You are strong, and independent, and this is why Alberto adored you. May he rest in peace, and may your memories of him bless you all of your days.
Much love,
Margaret
February 19, 2014
Anita Boetsma
Valorie,
I am so sorry for your loss. You have always spoken of Alberto with such love. May you find peace in the difficult times ahead.
February 19, 2014
Renae Moore
Valorie, much love to you. I will always remember my tango lesson from Alberto! xo
February 18, 2014
Vicki Zatarain
The slide show is fabulous!!! It illustrates the beautiful, full life he lived and shared with his loved ones. We are all so blessed to have known, danced with, and shared great times with him.
February 18, 2014
Pablo Aslan
Alberto te fuiste asi de rapido sin terminar nuestra conversacion! Se te va a extrañar. Dejaste un gran vacio porque ocupaste un gran lugar. Nuestras vidas son mas ricas por haberte conocido, creeme, no te estoy macaneando hermano. Te mando un abrazo en el cielo donde estes y dejo que se me piante un lagrimon. Haste siempre amigo!
February 18, 2014
Reggie Darling
My sympathy and condolences to all those who knew and loved Alberto. Reggie Darling
February 18, 2014
Today I celebrate The Many Fond Thoughts Of You.. R.I.P. Alberto..
February 18, 2014
claudia koflach
Fuè un gran discepolo del tango y compartiò su vida en eso. Tengo un placentero recuerdo de su visita a Italia junto a Valorie. Como dicen los argentinos Alberto nos adelantò... Claudia Rocco Koflach
February 17, 2014
Lu Ann Pelle
A man passionate about many things-- an unforgettable character. And though he could be harsh when he felt strongly, I know his true friends also knew how sweet and nurturing he could be. Valerie, I wish you great strength as you struggle with your loss. You and Alberto were loved by many. Carry on dear lady!
February 17, 2014
Leah Heil
Erwin and I send our condolences to you . Alberto was our first teacher ,he inspired a love of Tango that continues to this day. Alberto will live in the hearts of all who new him and all of those who were inspired by him to dance. Love to you,
Erwin and Leah
February 17, 2014
Antón Gazenbeek
What can be said about Alberto Paz? Many things, but most of all I'd like to say to him, "Thank you for all you did for the tango we all love. It tooks guts, it took courage, and few did it before you and few do it after you. You were a pioneer, you opened doors, created communities, warmed hearts to this dance and culture and always stuck true to what you believed in and that, my friend is more thn admirable!"
Que en paz descanses.
Ant
February 16, 2014
Helen Britten
I will miss so many things about Alberto. I feel he is still alive because of how alive he is. He will live on in so many tango dances and so many hearts, not to mention every time there is a good goal. Loving you Alberto.
Valorie, I love you.
February 15, 2014
Robin Case
I will never forget the intensity with which you tried to teach me to dance. I will never forget the passion with which you fought for the ideals you believed in. You made a huge impression upon my naive soul Alberto, and I am proud that no matter how well, or how poorly, I accomplished my lessons, I was under your tutelage when I was. How fortunate, given all that changed, with Katrina, and now with your departure, was I to have had that opportunity. Thank you.
Sweet dreams, and beautiful sojourn, old friend, Robin
February 15, 2014
Valerie Park
Your wonderful drill-sergeant manner of teaching, your lovely leading and dancing, your love and your delightfully acerbic sociopolitical commentary ("over the top of my already high top") that exposed the greed are in my memory.
February 15, 2014
Sara Bradley
Alberto leaves a beautiful imprint on the world, and all who loved him. We will miss him dearly.
Sara and Michael Bradley
February 15, 2014
King & Carla Lam
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Rest in peace Alberto. You have touched the hearts of many Tango dancers.
February 14, 2014
Goodbyes are really never goodbye. I will miss you dearly my friend and, you will continue to live in my heart. Rest in peace. Linda Flynn
February 14, 2014
Andrea and Alfonso Martinez
Alberto and Valorie... the two of you were instrumental in the foundation of our marriage. Not only through tango, but by your friendship and example of a couple truly in love. We will miss him greatly and keep you in our hearts and prayers.
February 14, 2014
Susanne and Jerri Bo
He was a treasure. We are thinking of you always.
February 14, 2014
Valorie, we have missed you and Alberto and are very sad we haven't seen you in so many years... Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. Lori Burton-Kassin and everyone at Argentine Tango Detroit <3
February 13, 2014
Carla Palacios Paz
Lo siento mucho, me duele el corazón.
Le agradezco a Valorie todo el amor que le dió y él a ella, fue su gran amor sin dudas.
February 13, 2014
Stephanie Fontenot
Dearest Valerie, My heart is heavy with sadness for the loss of someone so dear as Alberto.
It was a great moment in time that we all had, celebrating Mardi Gras, together. It was then that I came to know and love you both.
I can still see you and Albert, in my minds eye, dancing the tango, on his birthday. He was a wonderful, kind and thoughtful man. May the memories of this wonderful and exciting life, you both lived,stay with you always.
My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Stephanie Fontenot
February 13, 2014
Deby Novitz
La vida no es justa... Always the bright spot in my Facebook. I miss you maestro. Facebook is not the same without you..and neither are our lives. You with Valorie touched so many people in so many ways.
Estas en mi corazón siempre...Valorie, you know, there is a big abrazo for you. Quiero mucho.
February 13, 2014
Steve and Dani
Val, Dani and I really cherished meeting Alberto for the first time and seeing you again after so many long years. Next time will be much shorter.
February 13, 2014
John Blee
Valorie, Alberto has such a warm gaze and the pictures of the two of you look like bliss. In deep respect. John Blee
February 13, 2014
Thinking of you Valorie. I will miss Alberto.
Daniel C. Rice
February 13, 2014
David & Nancy Mendoza
Valorie - we will miss Alberto. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Let us know if we can do anything to help you during this period of mourning. May Alberto rest in peace and we'll dance a tango in honor of his memory.
February 13, 2014
Erica Mattingly
Alberto. Mi rey. I miss you. I can hardly believe we danced nearly every Tuesday, Friday, and fourth Sunday for the last year... Knowing that our next tanda will be perfect keeps me smiling in your absence. <3
February 13, 2014
Carol Raley
My sincere condolences, Valorie. You and Alberto embodied romance and happiness. You and the family are in my heart and thoughts.
February 13, 2014
Manuel & Ronda Patino
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Many happy memories. We hold you and him in our hearts. Much love and gratitude, Manuel & Ronda Patino
February 13, 2014
Elayne White
My dearest Alberto and Valorie - you have touched so many lives with your wonderful smiles and your love of life, tango and each other. We will miss Alberto, his passion for all things in this life, and dancing tango with him in that wonderful embrace. He will still be in all of our hearts and remembered fondly. My condolences for his loss - I know you loved him dearly Valorie - he loved you dearly and will be ever present in your life - may your memories and the feeling of his presence help you in moving forward (you will find his presence in little things - you will recognize them when they happen). My love and hugs to you.
February 13, 2014
Hola Valorie,recien me entero la noticia en Buenos Aires,estoy muy apenado por se ha ido un ser tan querido por ti,otro amigo del tango que nos deja y que ha realizado mucho por ello en San Francisco y New Orleans,un beso grande.
Tono Gallesio(bs.as.)
February 13, 2014
Deborah Gresko
When a person as vibrant as Alberto departs from this earth, he never truly leaves, for he will live on in our hearts and minds. I'll always cherish sweet memories of dancing with Alberto at my very first milonga and, years later, singing tango karaoke. Please accept my condolences, Alberto will be remembered fondly.
February 13, 2014
Percell
Valorie, I just found out that I have to be in Atlanta on the 15e. Please do not forget that you are in my prayer and concerns. Please feel free to call when you desire.
February 12, 2014
kimberly clarke armatis
Valorie,
I am so sad to hear that you have lost someone so dear to you. I did not know Alberto, but if you married him, he must have been very special! My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope that your beautiful smile and vivacious personality will carry on! xoxo
February 12, 2014
Jean-Pierre Sighe
Dear Alberto Paz, may you rest in Peace Profound! May God, Creator of ALL things be YOUR HOME!
I will never forget the circumstance that brought me to meeting you... my thirst and sincere desire to UNDERSTAND Tango, this mystical Art-craft. I expressed to you that I wanted to learn Tango, but did not wish to learn by steps. After listening to me, you chuckled and said: "Well... I think I can teach you what you're looking for"... You taught me well! When later, I was priviledged to study with the famous Tango Master Carlos Gavito. He had discretly observed me dancing and liked what he saw. I have never had to go back and correct anything that I learned from you. The other teachers I studied from, including Carlos Gavito, added to the foundation you had helped me establish. My hat off to you!!!
May your journey be peaceful!!!
With Love,
Jean-Pierre Sighe
February 12, 2014
Margaret Hogan
Dear Valorie,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your amazing husband. You are heavy in my heart and deep in my thoughts. My prayers go out to you and your family. A world of love to you,
Margaret Hogan (Source)
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