Fernando Hernandez, born on January 19, 1950, in Monterrey, Mexico, was a man whose life was defined by an unwavering dedication to his family, his country, and the values of hard work, civic responsibility, and patriotism. He was the youngest of six children born to Angelo and Emma Hernandez, who, in pursuit of the American Dream, moved their family to San Antonio, Texas, when Fernando was just a boy. It was in the heart of this vibrant and historically rich city that Fernando would grow into a man whose legacy would leave an indelible mark on his loved ones and his community.

From an early age, Fernando was taught the importance of perseverance, integrity, and the role of civic duty. His parents instilled in him a profound respect for the sacrifices made by others in the service of the nation. This sense of duty to his country became a cornerstone of Fernando’s character, one that would manifest in many of his later actions. His family’s deep commitment to honoring veterans and supporting those who served was a legacy that would endure throughout his life, and one he passed down to future generations.

Fernando graduated from Harlandale High School in 1968, where his academic prowess and commitment to excellence became evident. Inspired by several influential teachers, he pursued higher education at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, where he earned a degree in Accounting in 1972. While navigating the rigors of college life, he married Irene G. Hernandez, his high school sweetheart, and together they started a family. Fernando’s academic achievements were all the more remarkable as he worked full-time to support his growing family while earning his degree.

Upon graduation, Fernando’s professional journey began in Fresno, California, where he worked for the U.S. government in a department assisting entrepreneurs in establishing new businesses. This early career experience marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to serving his community and country in meaningful ways. However, after that department was disbanded, Fernando sought greater stability for his family. He ventured into the hospitality industry, opening a restaurant in Austin, Texas, but soon realized that his entrepreneurial ambitions would best be realized through a corporate career. In 1975, he joined Southwestern Bell in San Antonio, where he would spend the next two decades navigating corporate mergers and acquisitions, ultimately retiring in 2003 from AT&T, after the company had gone through several transformations, including SBC Communications and back to AT&T.

Though Fernando retired from the corporate world, his entrepreneurial spirit remained strong. In 2002, he co-founded G2M Group, an authorized dealer for Cingular and later AT&T Wireless, alongside his two sons. The business grew to five stores across San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Brownsville before being sold in 2010. Fernando’s drive and business acumen were matched only by his desire to mentor and guide the next generation. He took on a role at RadioShack in 2010, where he worked until 2015, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with a new wave of professionals.

Throughout his life, Fernando maintained a deep and abiding love for his country. He and his family were staunch supporters of military service and patriotism. This commitment was exemplified by their active participation in events that honored veterans, such as placing flags on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, and laying wreaths with Wreaths Across America. Fernando’s children and grandchildren continued this tradition, paying tribute to the sacrifices of the men and women who served the nation, at sites such as St. Joseph Honey Creek, where Fernando was later laid to rest, and at Fort Sam Houston, where his grandfather, Pablo Gonzales, a World War II Army veteran and Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient, is buried. Fernando also supported the Tejano Veterans Association in Houston, reinforcing his belief in the importance of honoring veterans, particularly those from the Tejano community.

Fernando was a man of many talents and interests. He was a self-described "Renaissance Man," equally at home in the kitchen as he was under the hood of a car. He embraced technology early on, understanding its transformative potential. In his later years, when diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis, Fernando approached his illness with the same determination and resolve that had characterized his entire life. In 2021, he underwent a successful double lung transplant at Hermann Memorial in Houston, a testament to his fierce commitment to recovery and his family. Though he was given extra time with his loved ones, Fernando passed away on June 3, 2022, before he could fully pursue his aspirations to finish his Master’s Degree or return to work.

Fernando was preceded in death by his parents, Angelo and Emma Hernandez. He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Irene G. Hernandez; his children, Mirella (Carlos) Flores, F. Xavier (Melissa) Hernandez, F. Alberto (Crissie) Hernandez, and Maricela (Andrew) Rubin; fourteen grandchildren; five siblings; and numerous nieces and nephews. His life’s work stands as a testament to the values of perseverance, hard work, and an unyielding commitment to family and country.

Fernando’s final resting place is at St. Joseph Honey Creek Cemetery in Spring Branch, Texas, where his dedication to service and patriotism continues to be honored by his family. His legacy is one of enduring love for his country and his family, and his memory will forever inspire those who knew him. Through his tireless work ethic, deep respect for military service, and love for his family, Fernando Hernandez left a profound and lasting impact on all who were fortunate enough to be part of his life.