Rick Clemente died on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the age of 79. He passed peacefully in Albuquerque with his wife Debbie by his side. Debbie says, “Rick lived life to the fullest and there wasn’t a thing he wanted to do that he didn’t end up doing.” His career in the film and entertainment industry included producing and directing commercials, pioneering special effects, and stop motion technology. Rick was the CEO of I-25 Studios in Albuquerque for many years and worked with the New Mexico Legislature to bring more production into the state. He enjoyed creating jobs and helping the film industry flourish in NM.
Rick and Debbie moved from Los Angeles to Corrales in 2007. He fondly remembered shooting the very first Balloon Fiesta at Coronado Center Mall in 1972, hanging out of a helicopter to get the shots.
Rick had many passions. One was racing sports cars, especially Alfa Romeos. His love of travel took him on many adventures, on many continents. He was a fabulous chef and his love of cooking—and jazz—led to his creation of a restaurant and jazz club in Los Feliz, CA in the late ‘90s. He served up an exceptional contemporary menu and brought in some of the coolest jazz artists of the day. He was responsible for the Bobby Shew fundraising concert at the Old Church in Corrales in 2017.
Rick will always be remembered for his great intelligence, his enormous array of talents and interests, and his deep love and caring of his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Debbie, to whom he was married for 34 extremely happy years. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and an amazing number of friends, all of whom loved him dearly.