Fernando Anthony Hernandez

Fernando (Fernie) Anthony Hernandez of Lake Arrowhead, California, died of natural causes at the age of 83 on July 14, 2025, in Riverside, California.

Fernie Hernandez was born on November 28, 1941, in San Bernardino, California, to Fernando Hernandez, Sr. and Molly Hernandez (née Escobedo). He graduated from San Bernardino High School, class of 1960. Fernie distinguished himself in the field of construction with a career that spanned more than five decades in and around Southern California, beginning as a journeyman carpenter and eventually becoming a general contractor responsible for building or overseeing the construction of everything from hospitals, schools, and libraries to office buildings, shopping centers, a skateboard park and 4,000 apartment units. He (along with his sons) built two mountain houses in Lake Arrowhead (for their family). Fernie owned two successful construction companies, FERNCO Construction and HFK Constructors, and earned a Certificate in Construction Management from California Polytechnic University in Pomona.

He married the love of his life, Maria Elena Hernandez (née Rios), on August 22, 1964, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in San Bernardino. Together, they raised and educated four sons. He was a wonderful father and beloved by his five grandchildren. As a young man, Fernie was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing, and eventually developing an interest in coin collecting. Fine foods and wines were among his many passions, along with rock and roll and rhythm and blues. Fernie and Maria also loved traveling to countries such as Mexico, Italy, France, England, and Brazil. He was an American history buff, visiting cities like Atlanta, New York, Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Honolulu, New Orleans, Memphis, Washington, D.C., and the sites of several U.S. Civil War battles. He was a member of the Carpenters’ Union Local #944, serving as treasurer in 1973, and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). He worshipped at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake Arrowhead, California.

Fernie is survived by his loving and devoted wife of over 60 years, Maria Elena Hernandez; sons Fernando E. Hernandez, Dr. Roderick A. Hernandez, Kevin C. Hernandez, Ryan L. Hernandez; daughters-in-law Olivia Y. Armas and Wendy Hernandez; grandchildren Ryan Hernandez, Jr., Tyler Hernandez, Sophia Hernandez, Natasha Hernandez, Jack Hernandez; sister Rachel Alarid and brother Roberto “Buddy” Gallardo; and generations of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Fernando Hernandez, Sr., his mother, Molly Hernandez, and his sister, Mary Diaz.

Funeral services will begin with a vigil and rosary on Friday, August 15, between 5-7 p.m. at Mt. View Mortuary and Cemetery, 570 E. Highland Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92404. Funeral and burial services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, at Mt. View Mortuary and Cemetery. A reception will be held at the Epic Events Center, 12469 Foothill Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 (located in the Foothill Marketplace).