Richard Hernandez

Richard was born in Chicago, Illinois and was the proud son to Eleanor Garcia Hernandez 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, including several missions to Cambodia and three Cambodian orphan lifts. Upon his discharge in June 1965, Richard returned to civilian life, working in the aircraft maintenance department for Eastern Airlines before joining Flying Tigers Airline. This launched a successful career as Richard even returned to Vietnam for the company as a civilian contractor responsible for keeping air transport and resupply planes running safely and on-time. Richard rose through the ranks at Flying Tigers and was eventually promoted to 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 camping, swimming, fishing, hunting, fancy cars, shooting and bocce ball. He had that Hernandez sense of humor and a prodigious memory as he shared his vast life experiences in world travel. His soft heart was made obvious in his unwavering love for animals, 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 and he wanted to be with Cathie. Up north, though, 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 (Nick) Fratto; his treasured granddaughter Samantha Fratto-Spacone and his beloved brothers and sisters Beatrice, Ed, Alicia, Virginia, Delia, Cynthia (Timothy), Ray (Cindy) & Laura. Sadly, he was preceded in passing by his parents Eleanor and Pedro and his oldest brother Rudy.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life for Richard will be held on, Saturday, March 29, 2025 at, Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home,17W201 Roosevelt Rd. Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181, 630-941-5860 from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. A chapel service will be officiated by, Pastor Glen Morden, at 12:30 PM. Friends are encouraged to continue to share memories of Richard after the chapel service until the conclusion of the visitation.

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/

On Monday, March 31, 2025, Richard 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.