We ask Olorún to shine upon the path of our Brethren chosen to join our forefathers and mothers in Ilé Olofí. 

May their souls guide us with knowledge & love in contributing to a peaceful and tranquil Orisha-worshipping Earth.

Union City, New Jersey

Baba Rogelio Ramos, Oñi Osún                                                   Union City, New Jersey

Obbá Benigno Garbizo, Obaña                                                     Bronx, New York

Baba Miguel Monteteagudo, Bámboche                                       Union City, New Jersey

Baba Oriole (Omo Eleggua), Eshú Dína                                      Newark, New Jersey

Iya Clara (Oní Yemayá)                                                              Botanica Olofí Olorún, Union City, New Jersey

Obbá Lazaro Rodriguez, Ochún Larí                                             Union City, New Jersey & Miami, Florida

Obbá Alberto León-Valdez, Odú Aremú                                    Lukumi Church of the Orishas, Bronx, New York

Iyá Aleyda Delnobal, Omí Relecún                                                Union City, New Jersey

Baba Orlando "Puntilla" Rios, Obatilemi                                  Bronx, New York

August 13, 2008

Alafía Lukumi & Ifá Community,

It is with a sincere sorrow that Templo Aché Ilé Baba – Cultural & Spiritual Community Center announces another of Orisha’s faithful servants has been summoned to serve Olofí for the rest of eternity.

Babalocha Orlando “Puntilla” Rios, Obatilemi, Oní Changó, transitioned to Templo Eternal Tuesday morning, August 12, 2008, at approximately 12:30am.  His funeral rites were officiated immediately that same evening by Obbá Oreste.

He was a very widely respected Babalocha in the Lukumi & Ifá Community, an accomplished Batá Drummer and was most well-known for his work in African-Caribbean Music Industry.

“Orlando “Puntilla” Rios formed the group Nueva Generación shortly after his arrival in New York in 1981, in order to preserve and present the sacred music and dance of Santería/Yoruba and the various secular forms of rumba. Since then, Nueva Generación has become an important preserver of both sacred and secular Afro-Cuban music, performing across the United States . The group's members sing, dance and play a variety of drums including the sacred batá drums and sekeres.

“Orlando “Puntilla” Rios is a master elder Havana-style bata/anya and conga player from Cuba, who was living in the New York area.  Amira's and Mason's books talk about his important role in the development of bata in New York and the U.S. in general.   Puntilla has played with everyone of importance in Latin Jazz and is founder of the Centro Cubano de Musica Folklorica.”

Babalocha Obatilemi definitely leaves behind a legacy the Lukumi & Ifá Community and Changó can be proud of.  Aché Obatilemi, Ibae Baye Tonu.

Funeral arrangements are as follows …

Viewing will take place tomorrow, Thursday afternoon & evening, August 14, 2008, from 3pm to 9pm at Thomas Monteria Funeral Home located at 1848 Westchester Avenue (near Leeland Avenue),  Bronx, New York.  The establishment’s telephone number is 718-824-3700.

Abure Puntilla’s funeral mass is to take place on Friday, August 15, 2008, at 10am at the Blessed Sacrament Church located at 1170 Beach Avenue, Bronx, New York.

May Eleggua accompany & Olorún shine ever-so-brightly upon his path to Ilé Olofí.

With Great Sadness,

Baba Ted Guzmán, Alá Bí, Omo Oddua

Founder & Chief Director