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Kenny E. Aguilar

About

Youngstown State University

Kenny Aguilar Obituary

age 82, passed away from cancer on March 4, 2023. Beloved husband of Pamela (nee Becker) and loving father to Maria Aguilar.

Ken retired from NASA Glenn Research Center as Director of Center Operations in 2009. During his 30 years with NASA he served in several capacities, including Director of Personnel for the Kennedy Space Center and Deputy Administrator for Diversity and Equal Opportunity at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC.

Recognized throughout NASA, Ken received many awards during his career, including the prestigious National Presidential Executive Rank Award, the Ohio Governor's Award of Merit and The Exceptional Service Medal.

Prior to leaving Cleveland to serve at Kennedy Space Center, Ken was well known for his volunteer community service, serving on many boards including United Way of Cleveland, IMAGE, the Community Forum, just to name a few. He was a founding member of Esperanza, Inc., a scholarship and mentoring program, serving the Hispanic youth of Northeast Ohio.

But Ken was not all about work. An avid golfer, he participated in many sports, including basketball, tennis, billiards and ran 7K races. In retirement he enjoyed traveling, spending winters in Florida, hiking with his wife Pam, and visits from daughter Maria. He always looked forward to getting together with his "Real Card Player" and R.O.M.E.O." buddies.

A native of Youngstown, OH., Ken graduated from Youngstown State University. Prior to joining NASA, he was the Personnel Director for the Ohio Youth Commission and Superintendent of Cuyahoga Hills Boys School. Ken will be remembered as a generous, caring, thoughtful and modest man. He leaves behind family and long-time friends who will miss his charismatic smile and gentle manner.

In honor of his request, no service will be held at this time. Family and friends will hold a private memorial at a later date. His family suggests donations in Ken's memory be sent to Esperanza, Inc., 3104 W. 25th St., 4th Floor, Cleveland, OH 44109.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Cleveland.com from Mar. 11 to Mar. 12, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenny Aguilar

Sponsored by The Family.

18 Entries

Pam Aguilar

March 6, 2025

Two years since you left us. Pain feels like yesterday. Always in my heart and on my mind. Will miss you forever.
Your loving wife, Pam

Robert (Bobby) Romero

August 1, 2023

I will always remember him as the great friend and person who has impacted my life.

Erika Smeader

July 24, 2023

Ken was a dear friend to many and such a kind soul. The world is much sadder without him.

Benjamin Rodriguez

April 18, 2023

Ken was a true gentleman and the ultimate professional. I´ve been fortunate to have know Ken and Pam as friends over the years and can attest to the wonderful impact he had on many people throughout is life. Our condolences and prayers to all his family.

Ben & Sue Rodriguez

Colleen Davis-Pearson

April 17, 2023

We worked together for many years at NASA, and Kenny Aguilar was a wonderful man. The day he came in and told me that he was retiring, I was happy for him and upset at the same time.

I am sorry for his family and will pray for them and their loss.

Colleen Davis-Pearson
Friend and Colleague

Frank DeAngelo

April 14, 2023

You were a class act. You treated everyone with respect. Rest In Peace

Carol E. Raifsnider

April 3, 2023

Heartfelt and loving condolences to The Family and Friends of Kenny Aguilar. His brotherly presence in my life has been dearly missed for many a year. May he rest in peace.

Michael Becker

March 23, 2023

I've always had so much fun with Uncle Ken. Golfing with him, Grandpa Becker and my dad are some of my favorite memories; I could hardly sleep the night before our morning tee times! I will miss him and my heart goes out to my Aunt Pam. Love from your nephew, Michael Becker.

Patrick Becker

March 20, 2023

Because our family never resided close to Pam and Ken, whenever we got together it was a always a celebration! My wife Bonnie and children Michael and Melanie always looked forward to the times we would be together.
After retirement Bonnie and I and son Michael were blessed by Pam and Ken's decision to winter nearby us in Florida, as they brought their love to share with us. Pam and Ken were always the ultimate host and hostess!
The hallmark of Pam and Ken's relationship was togetherness and the kindness and love they shared was not limited in extent to family, but overflowed to the community in which they resided, in the form of volunteerism. They are a model of true citizenship always serving hand in hand in a spirit of true love. My heart goes out to my sister Pam for the great feelings of loss that she is experiencing and I pray that she is comforted by the knowledge of the love we all have for her.

Sara Gonzalez Brintnall

March 19, 2023

I have such fond memories of Ken. My favorite is when he was judging a costume contest which I had entered. When I walked up to the judging table and saw him, I couldn't help myself and had to say, "hi" to him. I remember being so nervous standing in that line of kids until I saw him and then knew I was among friends. I won an Honorable Mention. I am so grateful to have known Ken and Pam growing up, and send my condolences to his family.

Cheryl Ferrara

March 14, 2023

For the time I had known Ken it had been a true blessing. A kind, gentleman, friend. We have such wonderful memories of he and Pam while they visited Florida, along with others as well. "Uncle" Ken will always be remembered, and much love. My love and heartfelt thoughts to Pam during this time.

Michael Becker

March 14, 2023

Ken was a loving and dedicated husband to my Sister, Pamela. He will be missed greatly, by the entire Becker Family. Ken was an amazing person who reached a very high level of achievement in his life, but was also very caring to everyone he met. He set an example of professionalism and dedication to the community that will live far beyond his lifetime, creating a living memory that will last forever. I was very lucky to have Kenny as my Brother-in-Law, and will miss him greatly. It is wonderful to see so many individuals whose lives were touched by Ken recognizing him, and offering sincere condolences to Pamela.

Eliza Semidei

March 13, 2023

With the efforts of Ken & his loved ones, students like myself are able to pursue the dream of higher education. My sincerest condolences to Pam & the family. (Assistant, Esperanza, Inc.)

Darleen Hunt

March 13, 2023

Heartfelt sympathy to Pam and family. Always a gentleman....I worked with Ken at KSC, a few of us played tennis at KARS Park after work, and Pam & I were very active in our local community association. Blessings.

P. Thomas Breakfield III

March 13, 2023

My condolences to Kenny's family. I had the pleasure of working with him at KSC ... definitely one of "the good guys"!
Tom Breakfield

Rayselis Pedraza

March 13, 2023

Nuestro mas sentido pesame
Que la paz que sobre pasa todo entendimiento sea reflejado en sus corazones - (Youth Program Coordinator Esperanza Inc.)

Trudy Hutchinson

March 12, 2023

There are so many happy memories that connect to Ken and Pam who were so good to Sara, Carmen and Vicente when they were young. At the Azteca Club Christmas party one of the children told me "That Santa Claus talks like Ken."

Tom Cmarik

March 12, 2023

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Ken. Condolences to the family. I golfed with Ken for many years in the NASA league and he was a good competitor and always a pleasure to be around.

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