Robert L Aguilar

Robert L. Aguilar, lovingly known as Bob, passed away on January 23, 2025, at the age of 76, surrounded by his devoted family. He was born in Los Angeles, California, to Robert R. Aguilar and Anne L. Aguilar. He is survived by his loving wife, Connie, and devoted daughters Karina and Andrea (daughter-in-law Jackie Aguilar-Montalban); and his cherished grandchildren Kai, Mateo, Jayden, and Xavier. He leaves behind his sisters Judy Barton (Clark) and Laura Wegter (Rex); brothers-in-law (Johnny, Abel, and Alfredo); and sisters-in-law (Julia and Rosie). He was preceded in death by his loving mother Anne Aguilar who passed away in 2024. Bob was beloved by countless nieces, nephews, friends, colleagues, golf buddies, students, and athletes he coached.

Bob grew up in Pico Rivera, California, and graduated from El Rancho High School (Class of 1966), where he excelled in varsity football, basketball, and track & field (high pole vaulting). In basketball, he was named to the All-San Gabriel Valley First Team.

He continued his education at Rio Hondo Community College, where he played basketball, before earning his A.B.S. in Applied Mathematics with a Minor in Physical Education from San Diego State University (Class of 1972). During his time at SDSU, he was a proud member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and served as Chapter President from 1971–72. He later earned his Master’s degree in Administration from Azusa Pacific University, further advancing his passion for education and leadership.

Bob began his career teaching math at Oceanside High School and a year later joined the teaching staff at Montgomery High School. Not long after, he discovered his passion for coaching. It was at this point that “COACH BOB” would define him the rest of his life. As a Montgomery “Aztec,” he coached football (as an assistant for Head Coach John Devore); both boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball; varsity girls’ volleyball; and varsity boys’ volleyball. In each of the sports he coached, he never wavered in coaching the fundamentals of the game.

After 20 years of teaching and coaching at Montgomery High School, Bob transitioned into administration, further shaping the lives of students and educators. He first served as Athletic Director at Southwest High School, a year later as Assistant Principal at Sweetwater High School, and then as Assistant Principal at Mar Vista High School—where he later retired. (During the summers, he had also served as Principal at several middle and high schools.)

Bob met the love of his life, Connie Soto, in San Diego in 1977, and they married a year later. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around family and sports. Their daughters, Karina and Andrea, were his greatest pride and joy and celebrated every one of their accomplishments. He found immense joy in coaching them in basketball, soccer, and travel softball, where they both excelled at the high school and junior college level. Following in their father’s footsteps, both Karina and Andrea became coaches. Karina coached softball alongside her father for several years at Southwestern College, where he was Head Coach for 10 years. Andrea started her basketball coaching career at the high school level and now heads the Women’s Basketball program at San Diego City College. In a full-circle moment, she brought Coach Bob out of retirement to serve as her Assistant Coach—an honor and joy for both.

Bob had a passion for coaching travel softball and in mentoring and providing private training for young athletes. He also cherished his weekly golf outings with his retired golf buddies.

A true music enthusiast, Bob loved being the DJ at family events and especially enjoyed line and disco dancing with his wife, Connie. His imposing presence, directness, integrity, generosity, quick wit, infectious laughter, and love for music and dancing made him unforgettable. Together with his silly jokes, signature sayings, and passion for coaching created countless memories that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Bob was a faithful Christian family man who read the Bible daily and strived towards living the words of Jesus Christ. He was a fervent believer in, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14 (Part 1):1-14.

You are invited to honor Bob's life at the following events:

● Visitation & Prayer Service: February 28, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

St. John’s Episcopal Church, 760 First Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910

● Funeral Mass & Interment: March 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (Hawaiian attire encouraged)

○ Funeral Mass officiated by Rev. Roger Haenke at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 760 First Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910

○ Procession to Glen Abbey Memorial Park, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA

○ Reception to follow at Glen Abbey Reception Hall from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Connie, Karina, and Andrea extend their deepest gratitude to family and friends for their love, support, and prayers throughout Bob’s illness. A special thank you to the doctors and nurses at Kaiser Permanente-San Diego and City of Hope, Duarte, CA, for the exceptional care and compassion they provided.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the MDS Foundation, at https://mds-foundation.org.