euskalkultura.eus

20/09/2025 - Windsor, Connecticut, EEUU

Domingo Aguinaga, lovingly known as Txomin to his family and friends, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025, at Hartford Hospital. He was 100 years old.

Born on April 8, 1925, in the town of Berriatua in the Basque region of northern Spain, Txomin was the son of Domingo Aguinaga and Maria Andresa Arrizabalaga. He lived through a century of profound change, including seeing the Spanish Civil War, which broke out when he was just 11 years old and left a lasting impact on his early life.

At the age of 53, Txomin set off on a new adventure, leaving behind the life he knew to start fresh in the United States. He moved to Reno, Nevada, to be with his beloved niece, Maria Luisa — a journey that marked the beginning of a life they would share for decades. Though he never had children of his own, Txomin was like a father to Maria Luisa, and she was like a daughter to him.

In Reno, he worked as a Jai-Alai judge and Jai-Alai basket maker, staying closely connected to a sport deeply rooted in his Basque heritage. He later lived in Alturas, California, before eventually settling in Windsor, Connecticut. There, he continued his career as a player’s attendant at Hartford Jai-Alai, where he worked until the fronton closed in 1995.

Txomin was well loved and highly respected within the Jai-Alai community. He had a natural ability to connect with others and got along with everyone — players and staff alike. He also had a great love for children and animals. Over the years, several children of good friends affectionately called him “Aitxitxe” — the Basque word for grandfather — a title he cherished, and a quiet reminder that family isn’t just the people you are given, but the people you choose.

This past April, family and friends gathered to celebrate his 100th birthday at Jim’s Family Pizzeria in Windsor, for a party whose theme was inspired by his favorite soccer team, Athletic Club Bilbao — whose games he never missed.

He is survived by his niece, Maria Luisa Eizaguirre, and her husband, Jose Ramon, both of Windsor, CT; his great-nephew, Jose Ramon, also of Windsor; and many dear friends whose lives he touched. He will be remembered with deep affection and gratitude by all who knew him.

Goian Bego Txomin. Beti izango zaitugu gogoan.

Visitation will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 28, at Carmon Funeral Home in Windsor, Connecticut, followed by a prayer service at 4:00 PM.

(publicado en Carmon Community Funeral Home)