In Memoriam: Brother Juan Aguirre

Juan with his wife, Maria Elena at one of the many Local 99 rallies and events they attended together.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our brother, Juan Aguirre. Juan was a dedicated and active union member. Even after his retirement from the Los Angeles Unified School District, where he worked as a Custodian, Juan continued to be an active SEIU Local 99 member. Juan participated in many Local 99 membership committees, including the Retiree Committee. Political action was especially close to his heart. He was deeply committed to making sure that elected officials heard the voices of working people. As a member of the Committee On Political Action (COPA), he was very involved in elections and lobbying in the San Fernando Valley and beyond. He never missed a Local 99 “Midnight Ride to Sacramento” to speak out for more funding for education and summer relief for school workers. He was also a strong advocate for immigration justice and last year travelled to Sacramento with our sister union SEIU-USWW to lobby for the rights of Dreamers and immigrant workers. Juan was also an active member of the Local 99 Latino caucus and one of its most generous fundraisers. We honor Juan’s lifelong commitment to social activism fueled by his spirit of kindness and love. Our condolences to Juan’s family. To his wife Maria Elena, who was his inseparable partner and fellow activist, we embrace you. Rest in Peace, Brother Juan. You will be missed. Donations for his funeral expenses can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/juan-aguirres-funeral-expenses