Antonio

Aguilar

Gunnery Sergeant Antonio Aguilar, United States Marine Corps (Retired), passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024, at the age of 64, surrounded by his loving family. A proud Marine, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Gunnery Sergeant Aguilar lived a life of service, sacrifice, and unyielding commitment to his country, his family, and the Corps he so dearly loved.

Born on June 13, 1960, in Taft, Texas, Antonio knew from a young age that he was destined to become a Marine. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps immediately after graduating from high school in July 1979. His determination, discipline, and leadership were evident from the start- traits that would define his 21-year career in the Corps. Gunnery Sergeant Aguilar served from September 1979 to September 2000.

Gunnery Sergeant Aguilar served his country with distinction in numerous tours of duty, including roles as an Infantryman, Team Leader, Squad Leader, Marksmanship Instructor, Drill Instructor, and various other billets that were vital to Marine Corps operations, including the Marine Rifle and Pistol Championship Shooting Teams.

He was always proud of his time as a Drill Instructor at Parris Island, South Carolina, where he shaped the lives of countless young men and women. Known for his tough but fair approach, he was respected and admired by his recruits, many of whom credited him with instilling in them the strength and discipline that carried them through their own military careers.

Beyond the unform, Gunnery Sergeant Aguilar was a family man. He was the beloved husband of 16 years to his wife, Norma, and a devoted father to their three children, Randy Martinez, Louie Martinez, and Sabrina Martinez Perez. He took immense pride in his family, finding joy in their successes and supporting them through every challenge. He was also a doting grandfather to his nine grandchildren, who brought a special light into his life in his later years.

Gunnery Sergeant Aguilar's love for the Marine Corps was matched only by his love for his family. He spent his retirement years actively involved in his community, volunteering with veterans' organizations, mentoring young Marines, and cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones.

He will be remembered as a hero, a mentor, and a loving family man. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, the Marines he trained, and the family he cherished. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. He was preceded in death by his loving adoptive parents, Santiago and Ninfa Aguilar; biological parents, Guadalupe and Margarita Quiroz; sister, Rosalinda Quiroz; and brother, Adam Hernandez. He is survived by his wife, Norma Aguilar; sons, Randy Martinez and Louie Martinez; and daughter, Sabrina (Jose)Perez; and adoptive brother, Alex (Sylvia) Aguilar and by his biological siblings, Daniel (Lupe) Quiroz, Adela (Rudy) Urrabazo, Sylvia Quiroz Ponce, Ruben (Megan) Quiroz, and Billy Dominguez.

Visitation will be held on Monday September 2, 2024, from 1- 9 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Chapel Services will be held on Tuesday September 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Francisco Marin of Faith Pleases God Church officiating. Burial will follow to the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery, Mission, Tx. with full military honors under the auspices of American Legion Post 205.

"If the Army and the Navy ever look on Heaven's scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines."