Sergio Aguilar

AGUILAR, SERGIO- Sergio was born in Roswell on 11-11-1962. He was a lifetime resident of Roswell, New Mexico. Sergio was raised in the Catholic faith, He was baptized in Artesia and attended Assumption Church with his family. He attended St Peters for religious education and completed his First Holy Communion. He remained a member of St Peter’s Church.

At an early age he attended the Jaycees preschool. Then attend school in the Roswell Independent School District until he graduated from Tabosa Life School.

Some of Sergio’s best memories were his High School Days. He participated in many activities, skiing, poly hockey, basketball, music, dancing, first aid classes and driver’s education. He had a competitive spirit which took him to new heights in Special Olympics. He participated in basketball, swimming, poly hockey, bowling and track. In 1983 the Roswell Poly Hockey team won first place in New Mexico. They won the right to compete In the International Special Olympics Summer Games in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. These Six athletes proudly returned home with Bronze Medals.  There was more to attending Tabosa Life School than sports and fun. The students worked hard they had a few short years to learn all they could to be successful in life.  The learned work skill, home living, safety skills and some student learned to drive. Sergio and many other students experienced many wonderful opportunities because their mentor and teacher Gar Thornton. His influence was so great that students, their families and the community came together to make these things happen. Each student walked away from high school with memories that would carry them through their whole lives.

Sergio preformed in “All That Pizzazz “.  An annual variety show under the direction of Patty Thornton. Sergio sang and danced with two hundred other students in sold out performances for four years.

Sergio had many opportunities to learn about life and what it took to be independent. He often told us “I can do this myself.” It gave him tremendous satisfaction and self confidence that he was able to handle many important tasks and be independent.

After graduation he entered the work force. Working for K-BOB, YMCA, RISD, Martin’s Jewelry, and Mc Donald’s. At the age of 21 he moved into his first apartment. Sergio lived independently for twenty years.

He enjoyed his life. As an adult he traveled with his Family to many places in New Mexico, Mexico, California and Durango Colorado. He had the opportunity to see The Pope John Paul the 2nd in Denver Colorado.  His Niece Verna, her husband Jason and their family took Sergio to Las Vegas.

Sergio had a very special circle of friends that cared and loved him like family. His everyday adventures were shared his best friend Rick Montoya going to breakfast, movies, shopping, and visiting old friends. Sergio participated in several Celebrations with the Montoya family.  He attended bible study class with Esther and Juan Burrola.  He went fishing with Jason and his buddies from Hagerman.  Connie and Albert took him to several dances. He shared family meals with Nancy, Belva, and Hunter. He had a very close lifetime friendship with the Rodriguez and Zapata family. Sergio enjoyed the company of Florencia, Ernestine and Ray who have been friends and a great support to our whole family for eight years. Sergio developed a friendship with Robbin Martinez and Sandra Torres who extended loving support. He had a special place in his heart for his Bird Britches.

Sergio was very close to his brother Edward. They were three years apart in age. All their lives they participated in the same activities, enjoyed the same trips, had the same friends and many of the same interest.  When Sergio moved into his apartment, he moved in next door to Edward. They saw each other every day of their lives.

He played an important role in the lives of Michael Martin, and Chance Nunez. Sergio participated in their lives and watch them grow childhood to adulthood. They are now married with children. Only distance has separated them. Sergio held on too many fond memories they shared.

Verna came into Sergio’s life when he was thirteen. He loved her and cared for her whole life.  When Her daughters Selena and Sophia Bejarano were born, he stepped in and helped care of them from the day they were born until she started school and remained active in their lives. Verna married Jason Lathrop they have a daughter Zoie and a son Liam.  Once again Sergio was becoming a great uncle loving and care for these children. He enjoyed watching the grow and participating in their lives.

Sergio was proceeded in death by His paternal Grandparent Librada and Luis Aguilar, father and

stepmother Manuel and Isabel Aguilar, brother Manuel Luis Aguilar, uncle Joe Aguilar, his Maternal

grandparents Juan Alvarez and Esther Alvarez Portillo, uncles Juan and Richard Alvarez, aunt Maria

Eugenia Alvarez.  His close childhood friend Paul Rodriguez. His loving Mother Aminta Aguilar.

Sergio is survived by his sister in law Nancy Aguilar and family, sister Maria Teresa and brother in law

Walter Ottinger and family, sister Silvia and brother in law Gene Tipsword, brother Robert Aguilar and

family, sister Manuelita Aguilar and her son Jonathan, brother Edward Aguilar, sister Pat and brother-in-law James Martin. Niece Verna Lathrop her husband Jason their daughters Selena Bejarano, Sophia Bejarano, Zoie Lathrop and son Liam Lathrop. Nephew Michael Martin his Wife Julie their son Joshua. Chance Nunez his wife Rita their daughters Rebecca, Raina and son Chance Jr.

Sergio’s life was very amazing life full of joy and Love. He will be deeply missed.

Service will be held at St Peter’s Church Thursday, September 5, 2019,  At 2pm. Rosary, service

and interment , fellowship to follow service FOE of Eagles 3201 S. Sunset Roswell, Nm 88203.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made in Sergio’s name to the Down Syndrome Foundation Of Southeastern New Mexico at dsfsenm.org.