Owen Robert Aurelio
March 11, 1951 ~ December 19, 2017
Resided in:
Fremont, California
Owen Robert Aurelio was born March 11, 1951, in Chicago, IL. He grew up in Los Angeles and later attended USF, where he met the love of his life, Karen Kenter. They shared an extraordinary 43-year marriage.
Owen’s philosophy (and constant advice) was to live every day to the fullest and spread love, and he did. He was the quintessential family man, an avid reader, outdoorsman, photographer, traveler, and genuine people-person. He relished sharing Italian food and vino with family, or hiking in the Pleasanton foothills with childhood friends. He also loved music and never passed up a chance to dance.
Owen had a long career in hospital administration, including Washington Hospital, El Camino Hospital, Alameda General Hospital, and most recently Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, from which he retired as VP of Clinical Services. After retirement, he remained active on the boards of the Institute for Pediatric Innovation and the International Society for Pediatric Innovation.
In his early career he served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, in the Portsmouth Hospital Medical Service Corps. He also spent many years as a member of the Fremont Warm Springs Rotary, where he served as president.
Owen will be kept alive in the hearts of his wife Karen Marie Aurelio; children Owen Matthew (Leigh Ann Detwiler), Luke (Melissa Genberg), Patrick (Aimee Contreras), and Catherine (Ross Frizzell); grandchildren Luciana, Sophia, Aria, Raquelle, Elsa, Mavis, Owen Samuel, and much anticipated Baby Frizzell; siblings Mary Lou (Bill Schoene) and David (Elizabeth Fernandez). Owen was deeply spiritual and shared the Catholic faith. He is joyfully reunited with his beloved parents Louis and Mary Aurelio, and they are certainly celebrating with Elsie, Tom, Marguerite, John and Natalie.
Viewing will be held Dec. 26 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Berge-Pappas-Smith Chapel of the Angels, 40842 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538. Funeral mass will be held Dec. 27, 11 a.m. at Bellarmine College Prep, Leontyne Chapel, 90 W Hedding St, San Jose, CA 95126. Attendees are asked to arrive by 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health; 400 Hamilton Ave #340, Palo Alto, CA, 94301.
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Owen’s passing is a loss for many who had the joyful opportunity to work with him. With deepest sympathy.
Karen, I want to extend our heartfelt condenses from myself and our family. I cannot imagine the depth of hurt that you and your wonderful family are feeling right now. Although we know that he is in a better place, I’m certain that it doesn’t feel that way…it cannot mask the hurt and sense of loss that you and your family must be feeling. Your family is our family and I will never forget the kindness that your parents and the rest of the Kenter family showered on myself and Angela. It breaks my heart to learn that such a kind, giving heart has been taken from us…from you and your family. With deepest sympathy, we honor this wonderful man and wish you and your family the best.
I met Owen in my first engagement as a consultant—-over the past 5 years he became a trusted friend and advisor, most recently as we worked together on the Board at IPI. The world has lost a true humanitarian—I feel fortunate that I had the chance to known him for a short time and to enjoy his wisdom and light. My heartfelt condolences to Owen’s family.
Karen I can’t begin to tell you how saddened we are by the loss of Owen. He was an amazing person, always full of great ideas and positive thinking. We will miss him dearly. I know you have the comfort and support of a wonderful family but want you to know that we share in your grief. Be strong and may the good Lord continue to keep you in his grasp during this very difficult time.
Aurelio Family, We are devastated for the loss of such a kind and loving friend. Our family will miss him terribly. Please rest assured that Owen’s laughter and spirit will remain with us forever. May God bless you all with love and strength through this difficult time. Love, Sharon, Eric, Stephanie, Jennifer, Tony and Carole.
A very good guy. Went to high school with him. A lot of fond memories.
He always had a good positive attitude about things.
To say that attending school and playing football with a gentleman in-the-making in high is an understatement when speaking about Owen.
I ever heard a mean or unkind word from him, and he always he was always the first to extend a hand to friend and acquaintance alike.
I did not see much of Owen after high school but a man such has he only does one thing better with his life…He becomes a finer gentleman.
I have only great memories!
My he Rest In Peace…and God bless his family
I have lost a very dear friend of 35 years. The world has lost a wonderful man. My deepest sympathy to the Aurelio Family.
Owen has been a great force in our group (international Society for Pediatric Innovation, iSPI) and a great friend to all of us. We will miss him tremendously!
Deepest sympathy to Karen and the rest of Owen’s family.
Aurelio Family, please accept our sincere condolences. We hope that God brings you and your family the much-needed peace during this sad time. Mr. Owen Robert Aurelio is a loss for many who had the privilege to work with him. He was a noble soul, may God keep him in His abode.
Dear Karen and the Aurelio family,
As a colleague and friend of Owen in the international Society of Pediatric Innovation (iSPI), I had the very special privilege of hosting Owen and our iSPI friends for dinner at my house just earlier this month. As usual, we all enjoyed his company tremendously. He talked about his family and children/ grandchildren incessantly and is a great role model for the quintessential family man.
My other great fond memory of Owen was earlier this year when he and Stanford hosted our iSPI leadership meeting. He exuded a special quiet leadership during the gathering of leaders and was especially poignant with his closing remarks as well as group exercise to share what could happen if we know we could not fail. His insight and wisdom was exemplary and memorable.
I am unable to join you in the service tomorrow due to my family situation this week, but would like to make a special visit in the near future to pay tribute to this most special man and legacy he engendered.
Without Owen, we in iSPI will continue to promote the absolute need for innovation in children’s healthcare in his name and honor.
Dr. Anthony C. Chang on behalf of international Society for Pediatric Innovation
Dear Karen and the Aurelio Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Owen’s passing and wish to pass along my sincere condolences. I had the good fortune to know Owen in high school and college and always was inspired by his positive outlook towards everybody in his life. Over that time span, there were many fond memories, especially being part of the group from Daniel Murphy High School that went to college at the University of San Francisco. While our paths did not cross much after college it was evident that Owen excelled in his professional career while having a wonderful family life. I will always remember him as a genuine, kind and upbeat person. May God bless Owen and your family. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Bill Fusco