Joaquín Augusto Aguayo-Pereles

Joaquín Augusto Aguayo-Pereles, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and pioneering public servant, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026 surrounded by family.

He was born on October 7, 1949, in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He married the love of his life, María, on December 31, 1969, and together they shared 57 years of marriage. After serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, he earned his law degree from the Catholic University of Puerto Rico and began his career in private practice.

In 1979, Joaquín and his wife made the life-changing decision to move their family to Washington, D.C. to provide the best opportunities for their children. With determination and sacrifice, he built an extraordinary career with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

In 1988, he was presented with a lifetime appointment by President Ronald Reagan as the first Hispanic Veterans Law Judge in the history of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Over a distinguished 35-year career, he rose to senior leadership as Deputy Vice Chairman and member of the Senior Executive Service, helping shape decisions impacting veterans nationwide.

He is survived by his beloved wife, María; his three children Joaquin III, Neshmayda and Suzette; daughter-in-law Dona, sons-in-law Steven and Seth, and his nine cherished grandchildren.

His legacy of hard work, integrity, and devotion to family will endure.