Manuel Arturo Hernandez

Arturo, as he was known to his family and friends, was 75. He was born and raised in Ecuador.

He will be remembered most for his joyous, generous spirit, his love of laughter and excitement, and his strong entrepreneurial streak.

Arturo's passion for learning and his curiosity about the world around him resulted in many adventures. As a youth, he left home to study with the Franciscan Brothers and considered a religious life. He learned Morse code and served in his country's air force. While in the air force he was selected to travel to Panama to be educated by the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic.

In his mid-20s, he relocated to New York. He arrived in the United States as the country was entering the war in Vietnam, the Civil Rights Act had just been passed and Beatlemania ruled the radio airwaves. He worked in auto repair and specialized in foreign models.

He loved traveling and once drove a Volkswagen with his sister from New York to Central America. While in New York, he earned his private pilot's license and flew on the weekends over Long Island. His favorite comedians included Carol Burnett and the Smothers Brothers. He was also a fan of British comedy.

In his 30s, he relocated to South Florida where he started a successful auto repair business and raised his four children. During his life, he faced many challenges with grace and often said, "al mal tiempo buena cara." He lived those words by embodying hope and positive thinking in every situation.

He is survived by his wife, Dolores, two sons, two daughters, and 11 grandchildren.