Puerto Rican Scholar Ricardo Alegria Dies at 90

Puerto Rican Scholar Ricardo Alegria Dies at 90: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Ricardo Alegria, a Puerto Rican scholar known for his pioneering studies of the island's native Taino culture and who is credited with preserving the capital's colonial district, died Thursday. He was 90.

Alegria died at the Cardiovascular Center of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean from complications of heart disease, said his son, Ricardo Alegria Pons. The elder Alegria had been treated for two weeks at the hospital in June and then was hospitalized again Sunday with chest pains, his son said.

“Thanks to his long life of 90 years, he has had a major impact on all aspects of the culture of all Puerto Ricans,” his son said. “That work and dedication and love of his country does not disappear with his death.”