Robert P Aguilar – better known to us as ‘Bob’, was born on July 20, 1950, to Laureano Martin-Aguilar and Maria Melitina Marino-Aguilar. He was raised in a small but loving Cuban immigrant family that worked tirelessly to live out the true American Dream. His father proudly served as a soldier in the United States Army, instilling in Robert strong values of discipline, service, and perseverance.  His mother, a devoted homemaker, instilled the nurturing values of family, respect, and health.

Growing up, he was known as Bobby—though to us he was simply “Bob.” He spent his childhood in Inwood, where he was a multi-sport athlete and an active Boy Scout, well known in his neighborhood for his energy and determination. Rooted deeply in his Catholic faith, Bob attended Catholic school, St. Jude’s and went on to graduate from the prestigious Cardinal Hayes High School.

His passion for staying active followed him throughout his life. While he was an accomplished swimmer, he found his true calling in the discipline, respect, and art of Martial Arts (Karate). His dedication took him across the country to tournaments and training sessions, allowing him to experience life beyond his neighborhood. Through years of discipline and commitment, he earned the prestigious Black Belt in Martial Arts—a distinction that opened doors for him to train the NYPD at One Police Plaza and to teach courses at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the College of Staten Island.

Even at a young age, Bob knew he wanted to be his own boss. By the age of 19, he opened his first business, eventually owning multiple clothing stores in the Fordham section of the Bronx, as well as a nightclub. Among his proudest ventures were El Bravo's Men’s Clothing and Shoe Mall and Night Trexs. His entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic were evident in everything he built.

In his late 30s, Bob’s life changed forever when he became a father. From that moment on, his greatest purpose was being “Dad.” He dedicated the rest of his life until his last breath to giving his two daughters, Nina and Alexandria, the very best of everything—love, guidance, opportunity, and unwavering support.

To raise his family, Bob moved to Rockland County, New York, a place that held deep personal meaning for him. He remembered passing through the area on buses traveling from New York City to Bear Mountain, and it was always his mother’s dream to live there—a dream he carried with him and ultimately fulfilled. As he settled into Rockland, Bob gradually closed and sold his clothing businesses and transitioned into real estate selling homes within the county.

As one of the first bilingual realtors in the area during the 1990s, Bob quickly earned a reputation for helping families achieve the American Dream of homeownership. He took GREAT PRIDE in knowing his work made a lasting difference in people’s lives. When his daughters became licensed too, he proudly opened his own brokerage, Brick Road Realty —a business that paid homage to the community he loved and reflected his belief in building a legacy rooted with his family in integrity, pride, and a strong work ethic.

Bob’s discipline was evident every morning through his routine of walking one to two miles at Haverstraw Bay park to stay moving.  Rain, sleet, or snow—it didn’t matter. He believed that a body in motion stays in motion unless stopped by an outside force . He filled his home with plants, palm trees, flowers, and even grew pineapples from his window. He composted his own soil at home for his plants, fed deer at local parks, and deeply cared for wildlife and nature.

But, if asked about his hobbies, he might say being in the sun, working out, or helping others—but anyone who truly knew him understood that his life’s passion was working with purpose. Through his work, his mentorship, and his generosity, Bob always sought to help people grow, improve, and believe in themselves. He saw potential and goodness in everyone.

Above all else, Bob’s GREATEST joy was his family. He was a devoted father to Nina and Alex, and a PROUD grandfather to Sofia Marie, Isabella Rae, and soon-to-be third granddaughter, Palmer Rae. He was their biggest fan in life and instilled in them the values of hard work, morality, integrity, pride, faith, and family. His goal was always to give them the world—so much so that his favorite saying to them was, “It’s your world—everyone else just lives in it.”

Bob lived a life defined by love, discipline, mentorship, service, empathy, faith, and unwavering dedication to family. He was a Black belt at fatherhood, a black blet at life.  His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the family he cherished above all else.

He is survived by his daughters, Nina (Kelvin), Alexandria (Eric), Granddaughters, Sofia, Isabella, Palmer, his only brother William, his nieces Brandy (Eric), and Mindy (Joushia), Merredith, and nephews, Logan and Chase.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 12th, 2026 from 4-8PM at TJ McGowan Son’s Funeral Home in Garnerville, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026, 10 AM at St. Peters Church, followed by St. Peters Cemetery, Haverstraw, NY.

To send flowers, please visit Bassett flowers at www.bassettflowers.com or call 845-634-3638 .