Paul Hernandez

Paul was the fourth of seven children born to Joseph and Eleanor Hernandez. He grew up on the South Side of Chicago, attending primary school during the Depression years. When Joseph unexpectedly passed away in the mid ‘30s, his oldest brother Tony was thrust into the role of surrogate father and Paul became the safe, older brother who was always there to offer guidance and support to his younger brothers. During the ‘30s, the South Side was full of ethnic neighborhoods, providing an environment where Paul learned to understand and interact with people of diverse backgrounds and shaped his easygoing and approachable personality. Brought up in a Catholic household, Paul’s service to the church began at a young age. Both he and his brothers were altar boys as youths.

Paul left high school after his junior year to join the military. Though he never saw actual combat during World War II, he was fiercely proud of his Navy service. Paul was based in Hawaii and in several South Pacific islands in the closing days of the war. When encouraged, Paul would recount humorous and animated stories of his experiences in the Pacific theater, but his stories always praised others and minimized his own contributions to the war effort. We who heard his stories know that the history books will forever remember the naval commanders and the brave soldiers who raised the flag on Iwo Jima, but we will admire his personal service and sacrifice, for without the contributions of the thousands of support personnel who toiled in anonymity, final victory in the war would not have been possible.

Always friendly with a genuine, welcoming smile and an easy laugh, Paul was easy to like. He faced hardships and setbacks throughout his life, but you would scarcely know it as he rarely complained, and never failed to have ideas and dreams for the future. He was a loving, giving and caring person as evidenced by the deep sorrow and pain his family feels from his passing.

Paul returned to Chicago after the war and met Antoinette Garcia, who he fell in love with and married in 1968. Paul and Antoinette were inseparable for over 50 years, celebrating their Golden anniversary in 2018 by renewing their vows in front of family and friends. Around this time, Antoinette began showing signs of Alzheimer’s, requiring more and more attention and care as time went on. Even though he was in his nineties, Paul was loyal, faithful and dedicated to the end, caring for her every need. Antoinette’s heart finally gave out on May 1, 2020.

Devout Catholic. Paul remained true to his faith throughout his life. When he brought his family to Glendale, Arizona, he joined Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in July of 1976. Paul and Antoinette were very active within their parish, as were their sons, Paul, Jr. and Mark. Paul joined the Knights of Columbus in 1951 and became a member of Fray Garces Council 3855 in 1988. He once again became a very active member of the Knights of Columbus. His two sons joined the Columbian Squires and eventually joined the same Knights of Columbus council. He, his wife, and his sons were active volunteers throughout the community and in their church for over 30 years.

Patriarch and Leader. In later years, as head of the family, he was the rock who epitomized perseverance, stability, faith and grace. It was a comfort to his family to know we were only a phone call away from a friendly voice who always had time for us and never failed to display optimism and good humor.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, his sister Lupe, and his brothers Tony, Bill and Arthur, as well as his wife Antoinette and son Paulie (known to most as “Little Paul”.) He leaves behind his son Mark, his brother David, sisters-in-law Mary and Marie, and numerous nieces and nephews throughout the country.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Our Lady of Perpetual Help’s Food Pantry at 5614 W. Orangewood Ave, Glendale, Arizona 85301