Ray Anthony Aguilera

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me food, I thirst and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Matthew 25: 34-36

Ray A. Aguilera, 78, Bessemer Councilman, affectionately known as Mr. Bessemer and the Mayor of Bessemer, entered the Father’s Kingdom on Mother’s Day, May 9, 2021.

He is preceded in death by; his parents, Pete and Rose Aguilera; two siblings who passed at birth; former wife, Cindy; in-laws, Helen and Gene McConnell; numerous family members and friends of both his parents and his generation.

Ray leaves to cherish his memory; his pride and joy, daughter, Andrea Hansen; son-in-law, Scott Hansen; grandson, Tristan; brother, Karl (Karen) Aguilera; nephews, David and Gabriel; niece, Carla and their familes; step-children, Chelli and Brian; sister-in-laws, Connie and Cathy; special cousin, Cindy; numerous first cousins, second cousins, other family members, friends, and colleagues who will miss him immensely.

Ray had many jobs throughout his life, but they were merely to support his real-life passion, to be of service to the disenfranchised of the Pueblo Community. Ray was the definition of a public servant. His platform remained…before he was on council, while he was on council, and the times he wasn’t on council. He remained true to his personal mission, of simply lending a helping hand to those in need and making education accessible to all.  He was able to use his position on City Council to enhance that platform. An advocate of literacy and education, he assisted countless students. He helped many people with an array of life issues. The City of Pueblo is full of stories of how Ray quietly extended a helping hand. As a child he lived on Northern, and never lost his passion for the Bessemer and Minnequa Heights communities. Pueblo is called the City of Heroes, and Ray indeed was a Hometown Hero. Ray will certainly be missed by his family. He will also be missed by many people of the community, and remembered for the kindness he so shared.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Pueblo Poverty Foundation at 4530 Field St., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. Pueblo Poverty Foundation was founded by Ray in efforts to fund his philanthropic endeavors such a his famous Christmas giveaway, vocabulary Rockies game trips, and people in need within the community.

Ray would want you to be kind to one another, and pay it forward always.

Celebration of Life 11a.m. Saturday May 15, 2021 at Bessemer Park. All are welcome, please bring your lawn chair.

Due to gathering restrictions, a private family Mass of Christian Burial will take place at the Cathedral of Sacred Heart. Internment, Roselawn Cemetery.

Online condolence at www.angeluspueblo.com