Carlos G Aguilar

Carlos G. Aguilar, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, a day symbolizing hope, rebirth, and eternal life. His passing on the Day of Resurrection serves as a powerful reminder of the faith and love that guided his journey, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
Carlos was born on December 17, 1930, in the lively and colorful city of Cochabamba, Bolivia. Though his formal schooling ended around the seventh grade, Carlos's life was a masterclass in wisdom gained through experience, resilience, and relentless effort. From an early age, his heart was rooted in responsibility-especially to his family.
At just 18 years old, Carlos entered military service, where he served his country with discipline and pride for two years. Soon after, he pursued his other passion: soccer. Carlos played for many professional soccer teams from Bolivia and traveled to play all over South America He moved to La Paz to play professionally for The Strongest, where he made a name for himself on the field. He later returned to Cochabamba to play for BATA, and after two more seasons, was called back to La Paz to represent Club Bolívar. Following the end of his contract, he returned once again to his hometown and joined Club Jorge Wilstermann. As a soccer player, Carlos was known by the nickname "Ulincho," a Quechua word meaning "small bird," because of the way he darted across the field with lightning speed and agility. The name suited him perfectly; he moved with the grace and quickness of a little bird, and his presence on the field was electric.
In 1960, with a heart full of dreams and a deep sense of duty to those he loved, Carlos made the life-changing decision to immigrate to California, traveling alongside his childhood friend Berto Rojas. They arrived in Los Angeles, where they were warmly received by the Escudero family. That moment marked the beginning of a bold new chapter in Carlos's life, one that would be defined by hard work, sacrifice, and the unshakable love for his family, both in Bolivia and in his new home.
To make ends meet and build a life in the United States, Carlos took on many jobs. He worked at the Palladium on Sunset Boulevard, at the Electronic Hadley Company in Los Angeles, and eventually found stable, union-supported work as a welder at Central Metal Products. It was there that he refined his trade, earning respect through a tireless work ethic, integrity, and quiet mastery of his craft.
Soccer, however, was never far from his heart. Even after his professional playing days were behind him, Carlos made it a point to attend the FIFA World Cup every four years. These journeys were more than sports pilgrimages, they were sacred experiences that reignited the joy, community, and passion that defined so much of his life.
Carlos was not only known for his talent and determination, but also for his infectious sense of humor. He had a gift for making others laugh and feel welcomed. His charisma made him a beloved figure in every community he entered. One of his favorite sayings was, "Recordar es vivir" to remember is to live. It reflected his reverence for memory, legacy, and the value of cherishing the people and moments that shape us.
Above all, Carlos was a family man. A devoted husband to Dolores married in 1961 in Los Angeles at Saint Vincent church. They were married for 62 years., father to Juan Carlos, Maria Elena, and Blanca a proud grandfather to six cherished grandchildren Andrew, Julian, Robert, Antonio, Alina, and Maximo, Carlos built a life grounded in love, consistency, and presence. His siblings Octavio, Wilfredo, Jorge, Tony, Antonietta, Martha, Judith, and Luisa remember him as a pillar of strength and joy. Carlos lived with courage, humility, and deep devotion. His journey from Bolivia to the United States, his success on the soccer field and in his community, his humor, and his unwavering dedication to family all speak to a life well-lived. As Octavio Paz once wrote, "Deserve your dream." Carlos not only deserved his dreams he made them real through grit, courage, kindness, and a heart full of love.
It was a decision he made not only for himself, but for the future of his family. God chose him to give us hope and a better future. May God bless him and welcome him into His Holy Kingdom. He left us on a Sunday of resurrection, a day of renewal and eternal promise offering us one final reminder that love, like memory, never dies.