Manuel Antonio Aguirre

It is with profound sadness and immense pride that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Manuel Antonio Aguirre, who left us on April 30, 2026, at the age of 81. He was an amazing Dad, a devoted Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, and a dear friend to so many. It with the greatest honor to share the story of his remarkable life.

Dad was born on September 4, 1944, in Chinandega, Nicaragua, to Manual Antonio Aguirre and Ofelia Gomez Aguirre. He was the oldest of nine children, he learned the values of responsibility and family early on. He entered the military academy, embarking on a path of service and discipline that would shape his extraordinary journey.

His passion in life was flying. He became a proud pilot for the Nicaraguan Air Force, a career that eventually brought him to Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring, Texas, to train in flying fighter jets. It was there, in Texas, that he met the love of his life, our mom, Elouise Joyce Aguirre. Together, they shared 59 beautiful years of marriage, building a legacy of love, resilience, and family.

Dad lived a life that felt like it was pulled from the pages of an adventure novel. He served as a bodyguard for President Somoza during large events in Nicaragua, a testament to his strength and reliability. Later in life, he channeled his brilliant mind into a career as an electronic engineer for NASA, where he proudly helped with space launches.

Beyond his incredible career, Dad was a man of many passions and a vibrant personality. He loved to garden, cook, and keep us all groaning and laughing with his classic Dad jokes. He never met a stranger; he was genuinely interested in everyone he crossed paths with and loved hearing their life stories. He had a deep appreciation for Western movies and books, and a gentle heart when it came to his beloved dogs and birds.

Dad deeply loved his adopted country, the United States. He was never shy about his political views and was fiercely passionate about the direction of the country—so much so that his spirited posts regularly got him kicked off Facebook, a fact that makes us smile through our tears today.

He leaves behind a large and loving family who will carry his memory forward. He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Elouise Joyce Aguirre; his six children, Deborah Scott, Sonia Scott, Kim Aguirre, Gia Thomas, Dee Dee Smith, and Anthony Aguirre; his sons-in-law, George Smith and the late Heath Thomas; and his daughters-in-law, Grace Aguirre and Rita Raymond.

His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Geoffrey Smith (Rachel), Jessica Martinez (Jason Riveria), Jacob Smith, Britney Martinez (Luis Rodriguez), Courtney Smith (JD Murphy), Kaylee Kutz, Selina Aguirre, and Manual Antonio Aguirre IV; as well as his

precious great-grandchildren: Zachery Martinez, Benjamin Smith, Arielle "Red" D’Amato, Jade Sharpe, Olivia Smith, T.J. Murphy, Layla Smith, Adrian Rivera.

He is also survived by his siblings: Carlos Denis Aguirre Guevara, Maria Jesus Aguirre, Martha Aguirre, Oscar Aguirre and Margarita Aguirre. He was preceded in death by his parents, Manual and Ofelia; his siblings, Anna Maria Aguirre Gomez, Marina Aguirre Gomez, and Roberto Aguirre; his beloved daughter Deborah Scott and his beloved son-in-law, Heath Thomas and Lisa Marie Wilson.

Dad, you taught us how to love God, how to be strong in our values, love our country, how to love our family fiercely, and how to never stop being curious about the world. Your final flight has taken you home, but you will forever remain the “Paw Paw” and “Papa Smurf” in of our hearts. We love you and we will miss you. Rest in Peace.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation & Event Center, 5411 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33417, on May 9, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 4:00 pm.