Arnold J. Aguilera

Born in Havana, Cuba, Dr. Aguilera was the beloved son of Arnaldo A. Aguilera and Laura E. Socarras of Havana, and later of Dr. Edwin A. Motto and Mary R. Motto of Davenport, Iowa.

“Arnie," as he was affectionately known by his family, came to the United States with his mother, Laura, when he was ten. His father was unable to accompany them because of the political situation in Cuba, and Arnie would not see him again until he was in College.

Arnie’s mother took a job as a Spanish teacher at St Katherine's School, a girls' private school in Davenport, Iowa. When Arnie was sixteen, his mother passed away, and he was embraced with love and support by the Motto family, who had first known Laura through Dr.Motto’s medical care.

Arnie graduated from Davenport Central High School. He went on to graduate magna cum laude from Harvard University and later earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa College of Medicine, marking the beginning of a lifelong vocation in medicine.

As a dedicated neurologist, Dr. Aguilera cared for patients with compassion and skill for forty years before retiring in 2023. His care and tireless devotion left an indelible mark on all who knew him—patients, colleagues, friends, and family alike.

Arnie was a loving husband and is survived by his devoted wife, Dr. Nadine S. Aguilera; his son, Andrew J. Aguilera, and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth J. Aguilera; and his cherished granddaughter, Emory Rose Aguilera. His brothers and sisters also survive him: Mary M. Culley (James), Christine Paisley, Dr. Edwin V. Motto (Christine), Michael Motto, Jan Tandy, John Motto (Sandra Pruessner), and his beloved dog, Mattie.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Deborah Motto, and his brother-in-law, Mike Tandy.

A service honoring Dr. Aguilera’s life will be held at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Monday, October 6th, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and a memorial service at 11 a.m.

Dr. Aguilera will be buried in Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Davenport, Iowa, on October 11th.

Instead of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to be made to the ALS Association and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, two organizations that support the diseases with which Dr. Aguilera worked most closely.

Arnie will be remembered for his deep love of family, his lifelong commitment to medicine, and the kindness he extended to everyone whose life he touched.