Richard C Aguilar

Richard Cayetano Aguilar, affectionately known as “Uncle Ricky” to his numerous nieces and nephews, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, in Belton, Texas, after battling a prolonged chronic illness. Richard was born on August 7, 1952, to Lee (Elias) Aguilar and Joan (Ascension) Aguilar in Temple, Texas. Richard was a man of great wisdom and compassion. His journey through life was one of boundless curiosity and academic excellence. His life was a testament to the power of education, the beauty of language, and the strength of familial bonds.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by a rosary recited at 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. His Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM, followed by lunch in Crotty's Reception Hall at 12:00 PM. All services will be held at Crotty Funeral Home in Belton.

From his early days, Richard's intellectual prowess was evident. He was a Fulbright Scholar, a prestigious honor that reflected his dedication to learning and cultural exchange. After earning both his undergraduate and Master’s degrees at Texas State University in San Marcos (formerly Southwest Texas State University), Richard's passion for languages propelled him to study in Germany, where he honed his skills and expanded his global perspective.

Richard's career as an educator spanned from pre-K to university-level instruction. He was a beloved figure at Shasta College in Redding, California, where he not only taught multiple language courses but also took on faculty leadership roles, shaping the minds of future generations. His teaching journey also brought him to Academy ISD, where he had the unique joy of teaching his own nieces Eva, Evelyn, and Katarina, further blurring the lines between family and education, his two greatest passions.

A spiritual man raised in the Catholic tradition, Richard lived a life that exemplified selflessness, intelligence, and love. In his youth, Richard worked for and earned the Ad Altare Dei Cross, an award given to Boy Scouts of Catholic faith. Richard also earned his Eagle Scout award in high school.

Richard's interests were as diverse as the languages he spoke fluently: German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Japanese, and Mandarin Chinese. However, his talent was not limited to linguistics. He was an All-State percussionist in high school, and in his senior year (1970) was the recipient of the Helen Bloomer Award, which was the highest honor given in the Marching 100 Band. Richard no doubt had a gift for music, additionally playing both keyboard instruments and the accordion with great skill.

Richard's love for travel took him across the globe, where he immersed himself in other cultures and traditions, always seeking to understand and appreciate the world's rich tapestry. His creative spirit led him to create a model language website, and his playful side found joy in computer games. His hobbies extended to knitting, baking, and carpentry, where he crafted beautiful wooden furniture, a skill he shared jointly with his father.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Lee (Elias) and Joan (Ascension) Aguilar, his beloved sister Nelida Aguilar, and his brother-in-law and good friend Scott Sherwood.

Richard's legacy is proudly celebrated and honored by his siblings: Robert Aguilar (Argie Gomez), Teresita Aguilar, Rita Aguilar, Michael Aguilar (Donna), Gabriel Aguilar (Loreen Hlavac), Claudia Bear, Melissa DeLaRosa (Rene), and Cathy Sherwood, all who remember him for his loving nature and dedication to family. His life was a series of cherished moments, from holiday gatherings to birthday celebrations. He was a formidable Yahtzee player, known for marathon sessions that stretched into the wee hours of the night with his sisters.

Above all, Richard valued quality time spent in conversation with his siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, Aunt Janie, and a circle of friends that spanned continents. Those phone calls and visits were the moments he cherished most, a simple yet profound reminder that at the heart of a well-lived life are the relationships we nurture and the love we share.

Today we celebrate Richard Cayetano Aguilar—a man whose life was a masterclass in empathy, learning, and the joy of human connection. May his story inspire each of us to live with purpose, to cherish every encounter, and to leave a legacy of love and knowledge that transcends time. Richard will be greatly missed by all.

The family wishes to acknowledge and extend our thanks to David Fernandez III and Amanda Morales for their tireless attention as medical advocates for Richard’s care during his final months of life.

Crotty Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Belton is in charge of arrangements.