Pablo Aguilar, Sr.

McAllen, Texas ~ Pablo Aguilar Sr., 93, beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, and a great friend to many. He passed to heaven on August 27,2025, after a brief illness.

Pablo Aguilar Sr. was born in Casas Verdes Sharyland, TX. on July 19,1932, to Modesto Aguilar and San Juanita Aguilar. The family moved to McAllen,TX where his father, his mother, 2 sisters and 2 brothers resided. 

Pablo only attended school  until the 3rd grade because of the family’s humble beginnings of working in the fields, which required migrating seasonally to wherever the labor was needed. Pablo and his siblings started working at a young age in cotton fields to help their family financially. His love for music began early, when at the age of 7 he was gifted an accordion by his father. Pablo prayed to God, that even if he was not the best accordion player, as long as he was not the worst.  It soon became evident of his great gift and talent. Ever since he began playing, he would receive compliments from the first time he played, until the last time he played.  His passion for music was clearly evident.

Pablo married his first wife, Lydia Olivarez, at age 19. Together they had seven children: four boys and three  girls. Later, he welcomed his fifth son with his second wife, Marina Gomez.

As a father of eight, Pablo was a pillar of strength and virtue. He led his children by his own example, demonstrating the importance of hard work, honesty, and great courage, while encouraging them to be respectful and kind towards others.

Pablo dedicated his life to his work as an assembler and repairman for Sears Roebuck Co. and Montgomery Wards, retiring at 65. Even with his demanding career, he made time for his musical passion on weekends. As an accomplished accordionist, he shared his talent by playing in several bands, which included his two sons, Pablo Jr. and Luis, during birthdays, quinceaneras, family gatherings, and anniversary celebrations.

Pablo’s long, fruitful life was a testament to his encouraging spirit. He lifted others’ spirits with his thoughtful words, brought smiles to their faces with his quick and playful wit, and touched hearts with his beautiful accordion melodies of polkas, redovas, boleros, and waltz.

A man of deep faith, Pablo instilled in his children the value of distinguishing right from wrong. He taught them to seek God’s will through prayer in all their endeavors and to apply faith to everyday situations. He also stressed the importance of trusting in God’s hands, uplifting and encouraging one another, and loving unconditionally.

For Love conquers ALL…

Pablo Aguilar was welcomed into heaven by his loving parents Modesto and San Juanita, his beloved children Alicia Aguilar and Rolando Aguilar. His siblings Beatriz Alaniz, Manuel Aguilar, Modesto Aguilar, and Elena Aguilar.

He is survived by his loving children: Pablo Aguilar, Leticia McGee, Rebecca (Eugenio) Garcia, Jose Luis (Ernestina H.) Aguilar, Manuel (Susana) Aguilar, and Juan Pablo (Audrey) Aguilar; honorary daughters: Elizabeth (Ricardo) Banda, Janie Ponce, Diana Fuentes, and Leonor De La Cruz; his grandchildren: Jesse (Melissa) Cruz, Jose Luis Jr. (April) Aguilar, Jesse (Catherine) Ponce, Adrian Ann (Carlos Ramos) Amaya, Audrey Amaya, April McGee-Ramirez (James Ramirez), Dana Lynn McGee, Manuel Aguilar Jr., Michael Aguilar, Mark (Jordan) Aguilar, Maxanthony (Gabriela Villarreal) Aguilar, Michelle Aguilar, Juan Isaiah Aguilar, and Jacob Robert Aguilar; great-grandchildren: Jared (Isabella ) Cruz, Jake Cruz, Alexandria Gabrielle Amaya, Kaitlyn (Malachi Sr) Amaya Farrell, Ava Sophia Ramos, Charles Avery Ramos, Lauren Gonzalez, Adrian Jessup Amaya, Fernando Amaya, Eloy Sanchez-McGee, Jaxson Ramirez, Chloe Nicolette Aguilar, and Alyna May Aguilar; great-great-grandson: Malachi Vin David Farrell Jr.

Serving as Pallbearers will be: Jesse Ponce, Jose Luis Aguilar Jr., Manuel Aguilar Jr, Michael Aguilar, Mark Aguilar, Maxanthony Aguilar, Juan Isaiah Aguilar, and EJ Sanchez-McGee. Honorary Pallbearers: Adrian Jessup Amaya, Fernando Amaya, and Jaxson Ramirez.

Public visitation will be held from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Rivera Funeral Home, 1901 Pecan Blvd., McAllen, TX with a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm. Procession will begin at 9:30 am with Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 900 S. 23rd St., McAllen. Interment to follow at 11:00 am at La Piedad Cemetery, 1801 Wichita Ave., McAllen. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rivera Funeral Home of McAllen. 

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