Somerset is remembering the life and legacy of William Aguiar Jr., a dedicated educator, mentor, and recreation leader whose impact on generations of students and families is being described as nothing short of transformative. Aguiar passed away on Dec. 3, 2025, at Charlton Memorial Hospital, leaving behind a community deeply grateful for his 57 years of public service.
Born in Fall River to William and Barbara Aguiar, Bill built his life in Somerset—teaching social studies, counseling students, leading summer programs, and eventually shaping the Somerset Berkley Community Evening School as its principal. He was the husband of Barbara R. Bellino and a graduate of the former SMU, later earning advanced degrees from Bridgewater State College.
A Lifetime Devoted to Helping Students Succeed
Colleagues say Aguiar’s commitment to students was unwavering. Superintendent Jeffrey Schoonover recalled his belief that education opened “doors to opportunity” and praised his tireless work to ensure students earned their diplomas—even those who had left school or were struggling with personal challenges.
“He worked tirelessly for every student,” Schoonover said. “Everything he did was about creating opportunities for kids.”
James Judge, who worked alongside Aguiar for more than two decades, described him as a champion of the “No Child Left Behind” mindset long before it became national policy. He remembered Aguiar visiting students at home, urging them to return to class, and offering tough love when it was needed.
“He had the biggest heart,” Judge said. “Many students would not have graduated without him.”
A Visionary Recreation Leader Who Changed Somerset’s Landscape
Beyond the walls of the school system, Aguiar’s work as the town’s longtime recreation director reshaped Somerset’s parks, waterfronts, and community offerings. He developed Pierce Beach Park, helped create the Somerset Village Waterfront Park, built skating rinks, launched programs for all ages, brought the circus to town, and renovated playgrounds and athletic fields.
Residents say his fingerprints are still visible across town—from the iconic Big Red Slide to modernized recreational spaces supported by state grants he secured.
Former students and recreation workers recall him as a steady mentor who cared not only about children’s success but also about supporting local teens with summer jobs.
“He may have employed more people in Somerset than anyone,” Judge noted. “He positively affected countless lives.”
Honored in Life, Celebrated in Passing
Just two weeks before his death, both the Somerset School Committee and Somerset Berkley Regional School Committee publicly honored Aguiar for his retirement and decades of service. He was presented with a citation and a classic school bell—symbols of the institutional respect he earned.
School Committee Chair Victor Machado called him “the true definition of an educator.” Selectman Jamison Souza, who knew Aguiar both as a student and a colleague, said the town felt “a little dimmer” without him.
“He shaped so many lives,” Souza said. “Students loved him—they even chanted his name.”
A moment of silence was held at Thursday’s selectmen’s meeting, and discussions have already begun about naming a space at the high school in his honor.
Family, Funeral Services, and Lasting Legacy
Aguiar leaves behind his wife, Barbara; son Brian of Tiverton, Rhode Island; two grandchildren, Bodhi and Cyrus; siblings Linda Moraes and Larry Aguiar; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Billy and brother Kenneth.
Visitation will be held Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Waring-Sullivan Home at Rose E. Sullivan. A funeral service will follow on Friday, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m. at Church of Our Saviour, with burial to be held privately.
Across Somerset, there is widespread agreement that Bill Aguiar’s legacy will be enduring. His decades of service, devotion to young people, and reshaping of the town’s recreational landscape have left an indelible mark.
As one educator reflected, “When someone gives their whole life to a community, the community becomes better—and Bill made Somerset better.”