Anthony Aguilera

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Anthony Cruz Aguilera, 54, of Fort Worth, Texas, on March 11, 2025, after his year-and-a-half-long battle with Stage 4 colon cancer.

Anthony was born on March 11, 1971, in Montebello, California, and was raised in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated as salutatorian from Fort Osage High School in 1989. In 1993, he graduated summa cum laude from the Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly known as Rolla University) with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Mathematics. He later obtained a Master of Science from Columbia University in 2006 with a concentration in telecommunications. 

Anthony resided in Fort Worth, Texas, for the past 29 years after moving from Kansas City to accept an engineering position at Motorola. He later worked as a Project Manager at Nokia and Gartner. 

Anthony is survived by his loving wife, Meliza Aguilera; his children, Isabel, Sofia, and Monica Aguilera; his father, Antonino Aguilera; and his siblings, Rolando Aguilera and Maria Butkovich. He was preceded in death by his mother, Amparo Aguilera.

A devoted husband to Meliza for 26 years, Anthony was also a wonderful father to his daughters, Isabel, Sofia, and Monica. His love for music began at a young age and continued as he passed his musical talents to his daughters. He eventually became the keyboardist in the Filipino band V-NUS. Along with playing the piano, he also loved singing karaoke with family and friends.

Growing up in Kansas City, he was a lifelong fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. Besides watching sports, he enjoyed swimming and playing tennis with his wife, Meliza, as a way to stay active. Anthony had a deep fascination with history and space. He often spent his free time playing video games like World of Warcraft and Civilization and reading fantasy novels. Anthony also took great pride in his Filipino heritage and cherished his wife's home-cooked meals. He loved traveling with his family and taking part in adventurous activities like zip-lining and snorkeling.

He will be remembered for his wisdom, authenticity, and unwavering dedication to his family. His bright smile and positive energy will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Anthony's funeral services will be held on March 20 and March 21 in Keller, TX to celebrate his life and legacy. The wake will be held on Thursday, March 20 at Lucas Funeral Home from 4-8:30pm. The church service will be held on Friday, March 21 at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church from 10:30-11:30am, followed by the procession and burial at the Bourland Cemetery. A livestream option will be available for those unable to attend in person.