Juan Aguiar

Juan Aguiar age 93 passed away peacefully at home on January 5, 2025 surrounded by family and friends. Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather was born on May 8, 1931 in Santurce, Puerto Rico. As a young boy Juan moved with his mother and family to Brooklyn, New York. At age17, Juan volunteered for the U.S. Navy, which became a life changing experience. He was a Spanish translator for the ship’s captain allowing him to use his bilingual abilities for multiple excursions throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. Upon honorable discharge from the Navy, Juan returned to Puerto Rico and enrolled in training to become an Air Traffic Controller. He worked as the chief of the control towers at airports in San Juan and Ponce. In addition to his work, he was President of the Exchange Club chapter in the town where he lived. In 1979 Juan and his family relocated to Sarasota, Florida where he was Tower supervisor until his retirement in 1989, ending a 40-year career. During that time, he became the highest ranked Puerto Rican in the Federal Aviation Authority. Post retirement Juan continued contributing to the community in Sarasota. He was one of the pioneers creating St. Jude’s Catholic Church by starting the Hispanic Festival to raise money to build the church. He also was a mainstay for Mayor Feeds the hungry organization for many years. Juan also donated his time to The Puerto Ricans in Florida Association. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus of Sarasota. All who knew Juan enjoyed his fun-loving spirit. He loved music, dancing, never missed watching his Tampa Bay Rays baseball team, he loved animals and they loved him, and spending time with his family. Juan is survived by his loving wife of almost 65 years, Maria Soqui Aguiar, his children, Eduardo Aguiar of San Juan, PR, Wigberto (Tony) Aguiar of St. Petersburg FL, Agnes Morris (Larry) of Lakewood Ranch, FL, Alvin Aguiar of La Porte, IN., sister, Maria Luisa Gerena, seven grandchildren, Loreli Aguiar, Marcos Aguiar, Jessica Schaefer, Vanessa Schaefer, Christian Aguiar, Erin Handley (Zackary) and Ashley Aguiar and five Great Grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He will be missed dearly. A funeral Mass will be held at 12 pm Tuesday, January 21st, 2025 at St Jude’s Catholic Church. 3930 17th St. Sarasota, FL. Interment at the Sarasota National Cemetery at 2:30 pm, followed by a celebration of life at the Knights of Columbus.

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Juan Aguiar

May 8, 1931 - January 5, 2025