Richard Hernandez

Richard was born in Chicago, Illinois and was the proud son to Eleanor (Garcia) and Pedro Hernandez. He attended Harrison High School and thereafter in August, 1961 he enlisted in the United States Air Force serving in combat operations during the Vietnam War until his discharge in June, 1965. Upon returning to civilian life, Richard worked in the aircraft maintenance department for Eastern Airlines before joining the Flying Tiger Line and enjoying a successful career, even returning to Vietnam for the company as a civilian contractor responsible for keeping air transport and resupply airplanes running safely and on-time. Richard worked for Flying Tigers and rose through the ranks until his promotion into the role of Regional Aircraft Maintenance Manager, serving in that position until 1989 when the airline merged with Federal Express.

Richard was a man of many passions beside patriotism and love for aviation. His hobbies included fishing, hunting and bocce. He was also an unwavering animal lover, especially of dogs. He regularly volunteered at Pekes & Pals Dog Rescue & Canine Estates, Inc. and most of the dogs in Rich's family came from rescues. Richard moved to Florida because, in his later years, he preferred the weather to be warm and sunny. Up North, however, Rich was known as “Sonny” to his family and friends because he always had a smile on his face.

Richard leaves to cherish his memory his loving partner Cathie Chaplin; his adored daughter Lisa Marie Fratto; his treasured granddaughter Samantha Fratto-Spacone and his beloved brothers and sisters Bea, Ed, Alice, Virg, Dale, Cynthia, Ray & Laurie. Sadly, he was preceded in passing by his parents Eleanor and Pedro and also by his brother Rudy.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life for Richard will be officiated by Pastor Bob Lockwood at 3:00 PM on Friday, March 7, 2025 inside the Remembrance Event Center at Coral Ridge Funeral Home, 950 Chiquita Boulevard S, Cape Coral, Florida 33991, (239) 283-0540. Friends are encouraged to gather with Richard's family and friends for an hour preceding this ceremony beginning at 2:00 PM also inside the funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers, Richard would rather ask you to support one of the charities he held near and dear, Canine Estates, Inc. This organization is dedicated to saving the lives of abandoned, abused and injured dogs primarily from high kill shelters and finding them loving, permanent homes. Donations in honor of Richard can be sent to Canine Estates, Inc, 41 Pinewood Circle, Safety Harbor, Florida 34695, (727) 412-0558 or by visiting their website at: https://www.canineestates.com/donate-2/

At the conclusion of these services, Richard will return to his native state of Illinois for Remembrance Services with his many friends and family from home. Thereafter he will be laid to rest in a place honoring our nation's military veterans at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 West Hoff Road, Elwood, Illinois 60421, (815) 423-9958.

To share a story or photo, leave a tribute or to offer condolences to Richard's family at this difficult time please visit his memorial webpage at www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/cape-coral-fl/richard-hernandez-12257617 and sign his guestbook.