Marcelino Chavarria Hernandez

Marcelino was born on March 20, 1935, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to Francisco and Serverina Hernandez. He later lived in Hanford, California, before settling in Mendota, California, where he met and married his first wife, Lucy Gutierrez.

Marcelino was a man of many trades. Over the years, he worked as a farm laborer, welder, and an exceptionally skilled mechanic. He was known for his strong work ethic and determination to do things his way.

Throughout his life, Marcelino married three times. Though his marriages ended in divorce, he continued to live life on his own terms—with resilience, humor, and independence.

Marcelino had a vibrant personality and loved to make people laugh. He was a natural jokester who enjoyed telling stories and cracking jokes. One of his favorite memories shared by family was when a woman once complimented how handsome his young son Frankie was. Marcelino replied with a smile, “I have the blueprint—would you like one?”

He enjoyed playing dominos and cards, spending time with others, and especially playing lottery tickets. He could spend hours enjoying his hobbies—often with a bottle of vodka in hand.

Marcelino was a proud and stubborn man, but also deeply loving and generous. He was always willing to help those in need and cared deeply for his family. Like the song “My Way” by Frank Sinatra.

He did it his way—indeed, he truly did. He was determined to live by his own rules and never wanted to be a burden to anyone. Though he was in the care of his daughter, his heart remained set on returning home to Raisin City. When the opportunity came, he asked the gardener to take him there before his daughter returned home. The gardener honored his wish and brought him back to the place he longed for most—his home in Raisin City, California. And in the end, that’s exactly what he did—his way.

Marcelino is survived by his sister, Serverina Acosta, his sons and daughters: Francisco Hernandez, Eva Hernandez, Joe Manuel Hernandez, Ray Hernandez, David Hernandez, and Juanita Hernandez. He is also survived by 47 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his children: Marcus Hernandez, Marcelino Hernandez Jr., Antonia Hernandez, his siblings: Alfredo Hernandez, Guadalupe Medrano, Carmen Ontiveros, Alfredo Hernandez and his parents Francisco & Severina Hernandez.

A Visitation will be held at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720, on April 14, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, followed by a Recitation of the Holy Rosary Service at the same location at 6:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial Service will take place at St. Mary's Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, 4636 W Dakota Ave, Fresno, CA 93722, on April 15, 2026, at 10:00, with a Committal Service to follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 1411 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728.