Jose L. Hernández

Jose began his journey on January 1, 1954, in San Diego, California, born in the family home on Ocean View Boulevard to his parents Sixto Reyes Hernández and Rose Sapien Torres, and was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Demetrio, Manuel, Nicholas, Candelaria, Rachael, Catalina and daughter Angela Marie. His surviving siblings are Celia, Paul, Salome, Jessie, Francisco, Carmen, and Dolores.

When the opportunity arose, Jose aka “Joe” took classes at SD City College while in high school. It was during this time where his passion for machine shop started. Soon after graduating, he started his 48 year career as a machinist.

Although they attended high school together, Joe and Silvia Esparza met after high school while they were members of a Catholic group with the Padre Hidalgo Center. In this group they went on retreats, camping, and of course dancing down in Tijuana. There was always a quince, boda, or fiesta to be had every weekend by this group of friends.

After a few years of courtship Joe and Silvia married on September 22, 1979, and were blessed with 3 wonderful daughters, Angela, Melissa, and Rebecca. Joe was extremely proud of his daughters, their accomplishments and was always supportive of their life’s path. He knew their potential and encouraged them to do their best in everything they set their mind to. Joe was also blessed with two wonderful grandchildren, Maya Ixchel and Remy Atitlan.

Joe loved to travel; He has been to places such as the Grand Canyon where he rode on a helicopter with his girls, he took a road trip up the coast to see a full solar eclipse in Oregon, he has been to such destinations as Disney World, Cancun, and Zihuatanejo. He enjoyed taking numerous camping adventures to National Parks, including Joshua Tree, Zion and Sequoia among other smaller trips. Needless to say, Joe was always ready for the next adventure.

Joe was never idle and always kept himself busy with his investment properties, attending Sunday morning family breakfasts, and tending to his garden, his orchids, and orange, lemon and avocado trees. One of the fondest memories was a tradition Joe started many years ago of purchasing a Hawaiian plumeria plant every year at the fair, he would bring them home and to plant them and nurture them until they would blossom. He was blessed with a green thumb and Maya and Remy loved to spend time outdoors in the garden with their Nanu.

Joe was a wonderful son, a great husband and provider, the best father/pops, a loving Nanu to Maya and Remy, a caring father-in-law, a supportive brother, fun Tio, and reliable friend.

Joe was a great individual, a family man, a person of faith, an all-around good soul. Someone who always wanted the best for his family and wanted to take care of everyone and make sure they were looked after. He was a true gentleman.

Jose Luis Hernández is survived by his wife of 41 years, Silvia Esparza-Hernandez, Daughters Melissa and Rebecca, Son-in-law Israel Diaz de Leon and grandchildren Maya and Remy.