On Thanksgiving morning, November 27, 2025, Julio Aguirre, a treasured member of the Los Angeles community, died suddenly, casting a pall of deep sorrow over his loved ones and the many people whose lives he touched.
Julio was born in 1965 in Los Angeles to parents who had immigrated from Mexico. He was raised in the culturally rich eastern part of the city, where his upbringing instilled in him the importance of familial bonds and diligent effort from a young age. His unexpected death at 60 years old has prompted an extensive wave of remembrances, each underscoring the lasting impression made by his artistry and lively character.
His career as a master carpenter lasted more than four decades. After finishing his studies at Garfield High School in 1983, he started as an apprentice with a nearby union workshop. He focused on creating bespoke cabinetry and renovating older houses in Boyle Heights, building a name for meticulous work and dependability that kept him in high demand.
The center of Julio’s universe was his family. He shared 35 years of marriage with his wife, Maria, and was a nurturing father to three children: his son Carlos, who teaches in San Diego, and daughters Sofia and Elena, both following careers in nursing. He adored his five grandchildren, frequently organizing weekend cookouts where he would share tales from his early years and serve his famous homemade tamales—a custom cherished by all.
Julio’s daily life combined his creative profession with a commitment to his neighborhood. He donated his woodworking expertise to Habitat for Humanity projects in South Los Angeles. He found relaxation on fishing excursions to Malibu with his sons and took pleasure in amassing a collection of antique tools, which he exhibited in his garage workshop. A devoted follower of the Dodgers, he was a vocal presence during games, especially in the postseason, when he would cheer alongside friends and neighbors.
Beyond his trade, Julio engaged in artistic hobbies that reflected his heritage, such as carving wooden sculptures influenced by traditional Mexican designs, which he often presented as gifts during festive occasions. His spiritual life was active through his participation at Our Lady of Talpa Church, where he contributed to the planning of yearly cultural festivals that honor Los Angeles’s Latino roots.
To commemorate Julio’s life, a memorial will be held at Our Lady of Talpa Church in Los Angeles on December 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with a visitation scheduled for the evening before from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The family suggests that, instead of sending flowers, those who wish to honor him consider a donation to Habitat for Humanity in his name.