Phillip A. Hernandez, a long-time resident of the Las Vegas area, passed away on July 5, 2020.
He was born on September 15, 1947 in Barranquilla, Colombia. He moved to the United States with his mother Matilde Lopez as a young teenager. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in New Rochelle, New York with a promising soccer scholarship. Rather than attend university, he chose to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force. Shortly after enlisting, he was sent to Vietnam where he served two tours of duty. His final military assignment was at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada as a Protocol Specialist for the Tactical Fighter Weapons Center. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1981 at the rank of Technical Sergeant.
Post his military career, Phil worked briefly for Northrup as the Latin American Director of Sales. In March of 1985, Phil finally found his calling and passion when he started as a Sales Associate for Neiman Marcus in Las Vegas. Due to his charismatic personality, dedication to excellence, and hard work ethic instilled in him by his upbringing and military service, Phil quickly established himself as one of the top salesmen. His keen fashion sense, attention to detail and superb customer service led to him being selected as the Men's Personal Shopper, where he served enthusiastically until his passing.
The city of Las Vegas loved Phil and he loved it back. There was not a place that he went that he did not run into someone who knew him. And to know him was to love him. He could talk to anyone and everyone. He always had a smile. He lit up a room. People could not help but be drawn to him. He loved his work. He was passionate and dedicated to his craft, and there was no one better at it than him.
Most of all he loved his family. He loved his wife Bonnie so much. It was really something beautiful to see. His sons and daughter were his life. Not a day went by that he did not tell them how much he loved them and how much he was proud of them. He loved his family unconditionally. He was the Hernandez family rock. He was the epitome of the American Dream. He worked hard so that his family could have a good life absent of the struggles he experienced as a child.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his son Jaime and daughter-in-law, Michele; his son, Kevin; his daughter, Lauren and his grandchildren, Keaton and Kade. He was preceded in death by his mother, Matilde and his son, Justin.
