In Loving Memory of Pio Aguilar

With sympathy and bittersweet gratitude, Harambee Community Services and the Aguilar family announce the passing of our employee and friend, Pio Teodoro Aguilar.

On May 26, 2023, Pio passed away peacefully from cancer with his family lovingly by his side.

Pio was married to his perfect match and they were a great example of a couple in love. Pio was also a devoted father, brother, uncle and friend to many. His family meant everything to him.

For those of you who knew Pio, you know he was fearless and independent, yet sensitive and incredibly compassionate. He had an enormous heart with loyalty and bravery to match. He was spiritual, clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all of his life experiences.

Pio had no boundaries to help others in need.

On June 6, 2023, Pio received the Bernie Graf Excellence in Service Award from the Alameda County Developmental Disabilities Council for his dedication to improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities.

The following announcement was read at the June 6th awards ceremony:

“Pio Aguilar dedicated over 20 years to advocating for the IDD community. A steadfast and determined advocate for the IDD community, he poured his heart and soul into serving his clients. Even dealing with an ongoing medical condition, he was a champion for the rights of those he served. Pio wore many hats and was fully devoted, mind, body, heart and soul; bringing an incredible sensitivity and kindness to serving individuals with IDD and mental health disabilities. His kindness extended to those he worked with and he supported those around him to see the world through our participants' eyes. He demonstrated resilience and leadership during adversity, ensuring the survival and success of our programs through challenging financial times; even going as far as volunteering his services so that participants could continue to receive the support they deserve.

With great perception and empathy, he encouraged and eased challenges for participants with significant support needs that no one else was willing to work with. His dedication has been awe-inspiring and he’s shown us all how to be better people and how to serve our participants with intellectual and mental health behaviors and special needs.”

We'd like to be able to support his wife and son as much as possible with ongoing college tuition costs and household expenses. With all the many decisions that have to be made in the coming days, we'd like to ensure that financial ones are not an additional burden to bear. All funds raised will go directly Pio’s wife.

Please consider making a donation if you can. Any amount is appreciated and it will truly help the family during this difficult time.

Thank you for your generosity and support.