Robert L. Hernandez

Robert L. Hernandez, Sr., 82, of Port St. Lucie, FL passed away on May 4th, 2016. He suffered from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that he fought for 2 1/2 years. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his many loved ones. He is survived by his wife, Grace; sister Lillian; brothers-in-law John and Mario; sisters-in-law Francis and Carolyn; children, Cynthia, Robert Jr., Gina and Mathew; daughter in law Anna; grandchildren Steven, Samantha, EmiLee, Caroline, Michael, Selah, Zackary, Mathew Jr., Monique, Brandon, and Eric; and great grandchildren, Natalia, Jayson, Kailyn, Landon, Julian and Zaritsa.

Robert, or Bob as his family and friends knew him, was born in Manhattan, New York on October 30, 1933 to Jose Domingo Hernandez and Aurelia Rivera Hernandez. He dedicated his life to the service of God, Country and Family. Following his graduation from high school, he entered the United States Navy at the age of 17, serving as a seaman apprentice on the destroyer escort U.S.S. Lloyd during the Korean War. He was released from active duty in 1954 and continued with the U.S. Navy Reserve until he was honorably discharged in 1959. He earned an Associate Arts degree from Brooklyn College, and then joined the New York City Police Department in 1956. During his 20 year career with the NYPD, he served with distinction as a patrolman and detective. Following his retirement from the NYPD he moved with his family to South Florida where he worked as a dispatcher with the Miramar Police Department, and as a court deputy in Broward County. In 1987 he was appointed as a Deputy Sheriff in Broward County. He retired in 1996 having completed 45 years of public service.

A devout Christian, Bob was an active member at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church for many years. He completed training with the Greenhouse, and upon entering Evangelism Explosion International in 2007 he ministered at local nursing homes.

A memorial scholarship fund has been established in Robert's honor at FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please consider donating to support the medical education of physicians best prepared to provide ethical and compassionate care to patients. Below please find the steps:

1) Individuals can send a check made payable to FIU Foundation; noting HWCOM Hernandez Scholarship Fund in the notes section.

2) Individuals can make a gift On-line by going to:

a. https://give.fiu.edu/give-now/medicine/

b. Click on Tribute Gift - write in Hernandez Scholarship Fund.

c. Under Designation select Student Medical Scholarships

Individuals sending a check can mail the check to:

Jannel Garcia

Office of Medical Development

Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

Florida International University

11200 SW 8th Street, AHC2 #690

Miami, FL 33199

You are the light of the world! Matthew 5:14