Leo Aguilar approached life with an insatiable hunger for adventure and experiences. On a beautiful Sunday afternoon Leo departed this world, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him.
As a decorated Bronze Star Vietnam veteran, Leo exemplified the true essence of bravery and sacrifice, serving his country with honor. His unwavering courage was matched only by the depth of his love and dedication to his family.
Leo took immense pride in raising his four daughters, (Elizabeth, Christine, Rosie and Ann Marie) and two grandchildren (Isabella and Emilio) instilling in them values of integrity, resilience, and compassion that would guide them through life's ups and downs.
But perhaps Leo's greatest joy came from his role as a husband to the love of his life, Rosa Maria Aguilar. They shared a bond that transcended time and space. Together over 53 years they embarked on countless adventures, had infinite laughs, shared in life’s challenges and savored life's most precious moments with their family, friends, and pets.
Leo cherished his family dearly, including his beloved sons-in-law, whom he welcomed with open arms and considered them as his own. Their presence brought him endless joy. (David Rubinstein, Rico Velazquez, and Christian García). He loved his nieces, nephew and friends deeply, calling them often (and sometimes spontaneously) to chat about anything and everything.
Throughout his life, Leo faced his share of health scares and challenges, yet he approached each obstacle with an unshakable spirit with his wife and family by his side. His trademark phrases like "aye caramba", “manos de fierro”, and "I needed that like I needed a hole in the head" added color to every conversation, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Beyond his military service, Leo was a man of many passions and talents. As a skilled fisherman, he found solace and joy in being by the water and the thrill of reeling in rainbow trout. He enjoyed hosting music appreciation night during bouts of insomnia, especially the music of Tony Bennet.
Leo excelled in his roles as a rifleman, craftsman, and businessman. Leo’s quick wit and sharp humor brought warmth to every gathering, filling each room with laughter. He was bold and direct. He was a sharp dresser, a Cowboys fan, a trivia enthusiast, a prank artist, an excellent conversationalist, a negotiator, a cuchara champion, a man’s man, and a Western movie connoisseur.
He co-founded Tool Room Supplies Inc. with his business partner and good friend, Adrian Gomez. Due to their entrepreneurial spirit, Tool Room Supplies Inc. blossomed into a local business with international partnerships. It became recognized as a cornerstone for tools and machinery led by honesty and integrity.
Though Leo may have bid farewell to this earthly realm, his spirit lives on in the life he built with his wife, the laughter of his grandchildren, the wisdom of his daughters, and the fond memories shared among friends and family. Let us honor his memory not with tears of sorrow, but with a celebration of his love, his courage, and his insatiable appetite for life's greatest adventures. Leo Aguilar will be deeply missed but never forgotten, his legacy forever engraved in the memories of those who knew and loved him.
Visitation for Leo will be on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a vigil at 7:00 PM, at Funeraria Del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave, El Paso, Texas 79903.
Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 12:30 PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 2709 Alabama St, El Paso, Texas 79930,
followed by a Committal Service to Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave., El Paso, Texas 79906.
Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.
