Americo Hernandez

He was born on February 20th, 1954, in Utuado, Puerto Rico, son of the late Antonio Hernandez and Helena Torres. He was a loving brother to 8 siblings. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and his adult children Antonio, Omar, and Amerilyn. He was also known as “Papo” and “Meco”.

In 1972, Americo graduated from high school in Puerto Rico. Shortly thereafter he emigrated to Cleveland, Ohio seeking better opportunity, which he found with Ford Motor Company. He was extremely proud of his work at Ford. He was truly “Built Ford Tough” as the Ford motto says. His hard working hands carried him through until his retirement after 34 years at the plant.

In 1978, Americo married his beautiful bride, Marilyn Ruiz and was devoted to her until his last breath. During their more than 42 years of marriage they built a beautiful life raising three children in their loving and stable home. He worked most of his adult life to support his family and to provide all three of his kids with a private education. He was able to take part in each of their college graduations, relish in their successes, witness their marriages, proudly walk his daughter down the aisle, and adore the birth of all six of his granddaughters. He truly enjoyed his six little princesses. Their smiles brought him happiness when times were not the easiest for him. He was and always will be their loving “Papá”.

Americo was loved and cherished by so many. He was a son who provided. He was a brother who protected. He was an uncle who loved. He was a Godfather who prayed. He was a loyal friend who helped. He was a dependable compadre and appreciated their friendships. He made others feel welcome and tended to them. Not to mention his funny “goofball” personality that put others at ease. He would say the silliest things just to get a laugh out of someone.

Americo was a man of few words, but when he had something to say, we knew to listen. He was a voice of reason and influence in our lives and we trusted his advice. He was a man who rarely showed much emotion, instead he was a man of action. He lived to do for others, not only for his family and friends, but for neighbors, the church, the community, and even strangers. His moral compass was one of a kind. Plain and simple, he helped whoever needed it. He was a man of Christ and served as a Eucharistic Minister at the church on Sundays, participated in the Cursillo de Cristiandad, and taught baptismal courses alongside with his wife for several years. He made these duties a priority in the midst of all his other daily responsibilities.

Yet now, it is his time to rest, he has carried his cross and has reached salvation. We know that the Lord has accepted him into His kingdom and that his soul will be at eternal rest. We have been mourning his personality and the man we know for some time now, and yet this does not ease our pain. He is gone too soon, but we want you to rest easy Papi, you deserve it, and we believe and know that we will see you again. Until then, we will take care of one another and of course your buddy, Chiquito the cat, we got it from here. Farewell dad, and as you always told us, “take it easy”.

Love,

us