Julio Cesar Andújar's Obituary
With broken hearts, we share the sad news that Julio Andújar left this world unexpectedly Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Julio, nicknamed affectionately, Papo,” “Chapo,” or “Andy,” was a deeply devoted husband to Sheilagh, father to Ilana, and friend to many.
Born in Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico to Carmen and Felix Andújar, Julio grew up with his siblings and extended family within earshot of the Caribbean. At 18, he joined the Navy and studied electronic engineering. This pathway led to a successful career in process engineering. Ultimately, he built a process control systems company, KCK (Cacique) named for the Taíno of Puerto Rico. Without fail, even in naming his company, Julio signaled his Boricua roots.
After naval duty, Julio was drawn magnetically to the pulse of the Bay Area and to Oakland’s rhythms– where he resided for the rest of his life. At home, he savored the hills and bay vistas, trees, and wildlife. Julio not only attracted a wide circle of family and friends but was consistently supportive to the broader Latino and BIPOC community of Oakland. He cared about those without a voice and found ways to support them. He had a keen eye for design, an eclectic ear for music, a deep love of Japanese literature, and devotion to Man U. For Julio, the best novella was viewing televised biweekly Oakland School Board meetings from start to end. His endurance in many things was unusual.
One cannot think of Julio without conjuring his image as a talented chef, formidable athlete, compassionate heart, and hilarious wit. Julio left his indelible mark on everyone and everything he touched. If Julio was in the room, you knew it. If Julio had an opinion, you knew it. You knew it because he famously coined memorable, pithy phrases:
If you are going to go; go big or leave!
Paper trail.
Land the plane.
If it’s worth saying, say it repeatedly and loudly.
He counseled often, “No vale la madre.
When asked how he was doing, he said,
If I was doing any better, I couldn’t stand it.
Julio’s mantra was,
I am living my best life.
What’s your fondest memory of Julio?
What’s a lesson you learned from Julio?
Share a story where Julio's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Julio you’ll never forget.
How did Julio make you smile?