Seraphine ‘Bear’ Aguilar was born August 24, 1934 in Grand Island, Nebraska, the son of Jacinto and Isabel (Ramirez) Aguilar. He was one of four boys and five sisters. His first job was at the age of 9 years old when he started working in a shoe shop shining shoes. He grew up in Grand Island going through elementary, middle, and high schools. He enjoyed sports, especially varsity football, basketball and track. While in high school he was an avid singer and placed 1st in a talent contest at the Lincoln State Fair and later went on to enter the competition to Golds of Nebraska.
Still in high school he entered the U.S. Army on November 4, 1952 serving in the Korean War. He went to Basic Training in Fort Riley, Kansas, and then onto Yokohama, Korea. Seraphine had a nickname by the Koreans as ‘Aggi’. He found out later that it meant ‘little one’. Those that knew Seraphine ‘Bear’ would know that he was not very tall. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 3, 1955, with the rank of Sergeant. While in the service, he learned the printing trade. He was a printer all his life and was employed by Cornhusker Press in Hastings, Halstead Printing in Grand Island, Marsay Printing (Skagway) in Grand Island and eventually was founder and co-owner of Aguilar Printing, which is still operating today. He retired in 1996.
Bear loved working with young people and coached Little League Baseball for several years, enjoying his time with the players. As an avid softball player after the service, he later was a coach enthusiast for womens softball and co-ed softball. In 1965 he worked with City Manager John Carpenter to get the softball fields built that are now located at the National Guard Armory. He coached Little League baseball for 14 years and girls’ softball for five years.
Because of his love for music and a great performer, you could hear him sing and entertain at many bars, clubs, and special occasions, with his new found business, “PasTime Karaoke”. He traveled and entertained throughout Nebraska for over ten years. With his ven triloquist companion, Alvin, they would be seen taking over spots of his entertainment gigs. Bear was recognized as the ‘King of Karaoke’ throughout the Midwest.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Knights of Columbus and the United Veterans Club. He could tell a joke and get everybody to laugh. He loved all sports, especially the Cornhuskers. He also loved to play horseshoe and racquetball.
He had foursons and one daughter. Bear died on October, 19, 2019. At the time of his death he had over 30 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. His grandkids were the spark of his life.
Our family is very proud of his service to our country and appreciates all veterans for their sacrifices.
