Porfirio Adolfo Fuentes- Aguiluz met his heavenly Father on February 14th, 2022 in the arms of his family. He was born to Alvaro “Ruben” Fuentes- Aguilar and Gloria Isabel Aguiluz- Garcia on February 17th, 1963 in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. He grew up in Honduras and went to AGEAP Internacional (Zamorano University) where he graduated with a Bachelors in Agriculture. He later went on to participate in a study abroad program (CASP). While on his ventures, Porfirio encountered his future wife, Joan Gansemer, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Porfi and Joan made marriage vows on July 4th, 1987 and began their life together in Iowa.

Upon his completion of the study abroad program, Porfirio moved his new family back to Honduras. His value of education led him to complete a Master’s in Development Economics & Planning in Reading, United Kingdom, and eventually to move to Mississippi to pursue his PhD in Agriculture Economics & Finance. Porfirio’s vocation for helping others called him to accept a position with USAID working in Tegucigalpa, Honduras and later retired from IFDC after many years. During his time he was able to cultivate international relationships and create better third-world market potential through agricultural improvements, a meaningful endeavor to his personal calling.

Even with his many academic accolades, to those who knew him best, he was “Porfi”. A man who sparkled in a crowd. From his stunning smile to his contagious laugh lighting up the room, he always made new friends with his profound conversations. To his wife, whom he dearly cherished and provided for, he was a diligent and jovial husband. To his children, he was Daddy full of wisdom, council, and understanding. To his grandchildren, he was TaTa who shared with them glimmering eyes of mischief and awe. In retirement, he spent his time nurturing his family, perfecting his coffee, building a garden for him and his wife, and connecting his communities. He left prints of joy on souls he met.

Porfirio was born and baptized into the Catholic faith in Honduras, and was a member of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in all his years in Starkville, MS. Here, he served with the Knights of Columbus, baptized his son Travis, married-off of his daughter Sanina, and also witnessed the baptism of both of his grandchildren Verena & Sterling.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Fuentes of Starkville, MS. Children: Sanina (Mitchell Wilczynski) of Starkville, MS, Kayla (Dayesereh Camara) of Bronx, NY, & Travis Fuentes of Starkville, MS. His mother Gloria Fuentes-Aguiluz of Honduras. His siblings: Marizeth Fuentes-Aguiluz of Honduras, Alvaro “Ruben” Fuentes-Aguiluz (Alba Gloria Hernandez) of Honduras; Rolando “Javier” Fuentes-Aguiluz (Norma Suyapa Hernandez) of Honduras; Omar Fuentes-Aguiluz (Jenny Medina) of Miami, FL. His brother in laws: Francis “Frank” Gansemer(Angela Woods) of Durango, IA, Gerald Breitsprecker of Lancaster,WI. His sister in laws: Janet Engelken (Kenny Ruden) of Holy Cross, IA, Jane Geselbracht (David “Ike” Eigenberger) of Holy Cross, IA, Jody (Merlin) Tucker of Durango, IA. He leaves behind eighteen nieces and thirteen nephews . He was TaTa of two grandchildren Verena Marie Wilczynski, and Sterling Josef Wilczynski.

He is preceded in death by his father, Alvaro “Ruben” Fuentes-Aguilar. His nephew Julio Nolasco-Fuentes. His Father- and Mother-In-law Clement and Theresa Gansemer. His sister-in-law Judy Breitsprecker.

Services will be held at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Starkville, Mississippi. Visitation will be Saturday February 19th at 9:30am to 2:00pm, with Mass starting at 2:00pm in honor of Porfirio’s life. Directly following, all are welcome to join the family at the parish hall for a feast in joyful celebration of his life.

If you would like to contribute to the family, they are accepting donations to establish a legacy in Porfirio’s name. He desired to return to his homeland, Honduras; there, they will arrange a perpetual memorial that will benefit its culture, community, and its beautiful people and country. If you would like more information on how to contribute please contact Kayla Fuentes at 662-312-4618 or kayfuen10@gmail.com.