Ross Aguiar, beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, coach and friend, passed away Thursday, October 15. He left behind a family that will love him forever. Ross married his best friend Sue Thornburgh June 17, 1989. Together they had three beautiful children Emily, Betsy, and Jake. For Ross, family was the foundation of his life and his children were the light. Ross grew up in Fallon, Nevada knowing the importance of hard work. This work ethic carried him throughout his full life -- milking cows, loading hay, digging ditches, wrestling and coaching children. For him, anything was possible. If it was a dream, he made it a reality. He knew that the true meaning of a full life was love and friendship. Ross never met a stranger. He took care of people and people loved him for that. Ross was an amazing storyteller and enjoyed laughter. He truly lived life to the fullest. Ross wrestled his way through college at both Minot State and Boise State University. As a college wrestler, he became a devoted supporter of the sport. Wrestling continued to be a passion that he shared with others. He coached many children throughout Reno including the Manogue High School team. For many years he continued learning about the sport he loved while facilitating Oklahoma State Wrestling camps at the University of Nevada, Reno. Ross was a proud co-founder of the Reno Tournament of Champions. He helped many wrestlers fulfill their dreams of wrestling in college. Honoring his life’s work with the sport he loved so dearly, Ross was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in December of 2011. But more importantly, he nurtured numerous young men into caring adults, and this is Ross’ true legacy. His wife and children are proud of the love he so generously shared and the many lives he touched. When not wrestling, Ross worked for the Reno Police Department dealing with many aspects of law enforcement. While there, he helped establish the Police Athletic League Wrestling Club. After retiring from the Department in 2000, he started a new career in stainless steel manufacturing, and most recently he owned and operated A.P. Stainless Manufacturing Company. He grew up in Fallon, Nevada. He leaves behind his mother Nida of Fallon, stepmother Sue, brothers Derek, Kirk (Ciandra), Glenn (Robin), Fred (Patty), and Anthony, sisters Tammy, Kiran (Butch), Robin, Kelly, Francine and Hope. Numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends whose life he influenced greatly. Services will be held Saturday, October 24 at South Reno United Methodist Church, 200 De Spain Lane, Reno, NV 89511, at 2:00 with a 4:00 celebration of his life at the Silver Legacy. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Eddy House, P.O Box 6207 Reno, Nevada 89513-6207 attention Marie.
