In Loving Memory of Joe A. Hernandez

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Joe A. Hernandez, who peacefully passed away on August 3, 2026, at the age of 89.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, son, and friend. He will be remembered for his kindness, strength, unwavering love for his family, and the countless lives he touched throughout his life. His warm smile said everything about the man he was kind, welcoming, joyful, and just mischievous enough to make everyone laugh. Those who knew Joe will always remember not only his contagious laughter and quick wit, but also the sparkle in his eyes that reflected the love he had for life and for those around him.

He found joy in spending time with his loved ones at family gatherings, listening to his favorite music on Pandora, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, going to the casino with his beloved wife, and joking around with family and friends. He had an incredible sense of humor and was often the chief mischief maker of the Hernandez family. His warm smile, contagious laughter, generosity, strong work ethic, wise advice, and unforgettable sayings brought comfort and joy to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Above all, Joe cherished his family. They were his greatest pride, his life’s purpose, and his greatest accomplishment. Together, Joe and his beloved wife Alicia built a family rooted in love, laughter, resilience, forgiveness, and unwavering support for one another. He led by example, teaching the importance of kindness, hard work, humility, and grace. Even through life’s greatest heartbreaks, Joe chose forgiveness and compassion, always putting the people he loved before himself. His legacy lives on in the close-knit family he nurtured and the values he passed on to each generation.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Alicia Hernandez; his children, Johnny Hernandez (Deanna Hernandez), Irma Hernandez, and Fernando Hernandez (Leticia Hernandez); his grandchildren, Alexis Mills, Brian Mills, Sabrina Moreno (Alvaro Moreno), Jessica Almada, Anthony Gomez, Tyler Gomez, Sumaya Contreras, Fernando Hernandez, Karyna Hernandez, and Adrian Hernandez; his great-grandchildren, Norma Mills, Julian Mills, Alejandro Mills, Serena Moreno, Aviana Moreno, Alvaro Moreno, Brian Mills, and Leo Mills; and his siblings, Lupe Arebalo, Cathy Harper, Bell Livingston, Danny Hernandez, and Patsy Hernandez.

He was preceded in death by his father, Juan Hernandez; his mothers, Mina Hernandez and Isabella Hernandez; his siblings, Abraham Hernandez and Lucy Valenzuela; his niece Leia Hernandez Crane, and his beloved daughter, Norma Hernandez.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who cared for Joe throughout his illness and to all who have offered their love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that his love, laughter, and memories will remain with us forever.

Heaven gained a strong and remarkable angel. And in the unforgettable words of Joe:

“God don’t make men like me anymore.”

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.