Raul Rodriguez Hernandez

Raul Hernandez was a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Born in Mexico, he loved his country. He became an American citizen because he also loved his new country and appreciated the opportunities it had lent him.

Although he and his late wife, Betty, had five biological sons together, they added three more to their own for a total of eight boys. This was not unusual for the couple. They often took in family members throughout their 57 years of marriage.

Being a man of faith, in church he presented his sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the Lord, praying that they would be protected and blessed throughout their lives. Those prayers are still with us, as he has told us that prayers live on forever.

Just to hear everyone’s voices, he would say, the babies running, laughing, crying during our Sunday dinners or “Family Feast” as we called it, were his joy. He loved his family. And to those who needed one, he was their adopted dad, grandpa, brother or friend.

After coming to the United States and graduating high school, he was employed at the Hyatt House in San Jose until he retired. Once retired, he did not slow down. He saw it as an opportunity to now have twenty four hours to work for the Lord and be available whenever his congregation needed him.

His preaching uplifted our spirit. His words of wisdom and encouragement helped so many. His songs comforted us and filled our hearts when he sang them.

As our mother Betty was the glue of our family, our father Raul was its strength. Now they are both gone. So we ask that you please include our family in your prayers. God bless you all.