John "Hawk" Aguilera

Crown Point, IN peacefully entered eternal life surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, September 27, 2016. His unconditional love is carried on by his devoted wife of 58 years, Judith, children John (Vanessa) of Indianapolis, IN, Tamara (Rodney) of Porter, IN, Louis (Linda) of Crown Point, IN, Paul (Jennifer) of Dyer, IN and Rene of East Chicago, IN, 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; siblings: Jesse (Patsy) Aguilera, Lydia Villareal, Yolanda Aguilera, Linda (Enrique) Madrigal; sister-in-law Nancy Aguilera and countless extended family and friends. Preceded in death by his parents Luis and Angela (nee Bocanegra); siblings: Luis Aguilera, Antonia Flores, Amelia Aguilera, Jose "Lalo" Aguilera and Robert Aguilera.

John was retired from Inland Steel after 36 years with Field Forces - Labor Gang and Boilermakers. He was a Charter Member of Emilio De La Garza American Legion Post 508 and the Pan American Golf Association (PAGA). He was a Member of the Indiana Harbor Old Timers, the Mexican-American Bowling League at Plaza Lanes, and the NAACP. He was a Lifetime Member of Club Ki-Yowga. He was a former Officer of the Executive Board of the United Steelworkers of America - Local 1010. He held the Longest Consecutive terms as a Union Steward for the Field Forces. He was a former Vice Precinct Committeeman for the City of East Chicago and a former Trustee and Member of the Board of Directors of Inland Steel Credit Union. He attended Washington High School (East Chicago, IN) and was a member of the US Army.

However, Hawk's proudest accomplishment was the family he built with his angel, Judith, who he loved more than anything. In his own words " I came from nothing. All Judy and I had was each other. We gave it all that we had, and we made a wonderful life together." Hawk's favorite holiday was the family reunion. He was an incredible father and an even better grandfather and great grandfather. He taught his family the true meaning and importance of family and never limited it to just relatives. He was everyone's biggest cheerleader. He was there to support his loved one's achievements no matter how small and was there to pick us up when we came up short. He taught us to never be afraid to fail and to always learn from our mistakes. As a mentor, he led by example and practiced everything he preached. He worked his hardest to make sure he always provided for family, friends, and community. He'd stop traffic to help a stranger and drop everything to help a friend. His joy came from seeing others better off. He never once measured his life in terms of money or possessions but always in love and happiness. He had the utmost honor, integrity, and class. He had untouchable style, cunning wit, and infectious humor. He loved the White Sox and loved to hate the Cubs. Fittingly, this year was the first that he admitted that he wanted to see "them Cubs" win it all. He was the life of the party at every party. He was always the first on the dance floor and he always had the best moves. To know him was to truly love him and he loved you right back. Unashamed, unafraid, with open eyes and an open heart. He was The Giving Tree. He is our hero. He is The Hawk.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, September 30, 2016 from 2:00-8:00 PM at the Solan Pruzin Funeral Home & Crematory 14 Kennedy Ave Schererville, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 10:30 AM DIRECTLY at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church 1 W. Wilhelm St. Schererville, IN. John will lie in state at the church from 9:30 AM until time of mass. Cremation at Solan Pruzin Crematory to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of the family's choice. A firm believer in the privilege and civic duty of voting, please honor John by voting this November.