Robert Aguilera
July 30, 1931 - October 24, 2017

Robert Aguilera, 86, went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017. He was a resident of Iowa Falls; however, prior to making Iowa his home, he was a lifelong resident of California. Born July 30, 1931, in Santa Ana, California, to Trinidad and Dora Aguilera, Robert was the eldest of four children.

Having had an amazing journey in life, his zest for living was only surpassed by his passion for loving people. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as the 1st clarinetist in the Big Red One Army Band and was actively involved in veteran activities, including his membership in The American Legion. A musician since childhood, Robert played the clarinet, saxophone and flute. He was a civil engineer and was responsible for helping to design the entrance to Disneyland in Anaheim, California. He went onto work as a businessman, owning Mr. Bs Fine Menswear in South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California, and he was the owner and operator of The Gold Sensation, a jewelry design and sales company in Newport Beach, California. His innovative creativity served him well. Robert designed ethnicity specific contact lenses for Iovision and developed medical instrumentation that allowed for the external detection of blood clots. He spoke several languages and was an international traveler. Later in life, Robert was instrumental in helping to fundraise and erect the Joseph Gomer statue at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls. As a naturally inclined orator, he gave countless speeches and delighted in being the MC at the Iowa Falls Airport for the Fourth of July Fly-Ins for many years. He was an airplane enthusiast his whole life. Robert loved the people of Iowa Falls and considered himself an honorary native.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Trinidad and Dora Aguilera; son, Ronald Aguilera; and stepchildren, Richard Fleming and Budley Fleming. He is survived by his adoring wife, Joyce Ann Reed Aguilera; brother, Henry Aguilera (Marilee) of Santa Ana, California; sisters, Anita Belsito (Bud) of Huntington Beach, California, and Rita Kellogg (Bill) of Rapid City, South Dakota; son, Thomas Aguilera (Patty) of Tuscon, Arizona; daughter, Stephanie Cabral (Adrian) of Anaheim, California; stepdaughters: Kathleen Sweetan (Richard) of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Karleen Rushton (Kim) of Los Angeles, California, as well as his numerous, beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at St. Marks Catholic Church, 415 Main St. in Iowa Falls. Military honors and a celebration of life will directly follow. An additional west coast service will be held in Orange County, California, in the spring. Details will ensue in the Orange County Register.

Affectionately known as Bob, aka Robair, Robert was a beacon of positivity who radiated exuberance and happiness. He was an inspiration to all who encountered him. He will be deeply missed.

Notes of prayers, condolences and remembrance may be shared at www.celebratelifeiowa.com.

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