He was born Nov. 3, 1953, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Jose and Aurea (Graulau) Hernandez Sr. He married his true love, Paula J. Dempsey, on July 7, 1984, in Huntington Station, N.Y.
She survives, along with their five children, Bryan W. Hernandez, Esq. of Peoria, Lynda M. Hernandez attending ISU in Normal, Lauryn K. Hernandez attending University of Illinois in Champaign, Kelly K. Hernandez attending Bradley University in Peoria and Brandyn J. Hernandez of Peoria. He is also survived by his mother, Aurea Hernandez of Summerfield, Fla.; his mother-in-law, Barbara E. Dempsey of Boynton Beach, Fla.; his sister, Ivette Hernandez of Puerto Rico; two nieces and one nephew.
He was preceded in death by his father and his father-in-law, William E. Dempsey.
A dedicated physician, Dr. Hernandez was a partner with the Midwest Urology Group in Peoria since 1993 as well as the Peoria Day Surgery Center. In addition to his medical practices in Peoria, Dr. Hernandez was also a relentless student of medicine.
He served as a clinical professor of surgery for the UIC College of Medicine in Peoria.
He was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, as well as the Editor and Chief of Peoria Medicine magazine.
Dr. Hernandez was also an ardent patriot, obtaining the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps and serving in Operation Desert Storm.
Jose truly loved his country and was proud to serve it.
Above everything else, Jose was most dedicated to his family.
The most anticipated part of Jose's year was the family's annual vacation to Walt Disney World, and a trip on the "wildest ride in the wilderness."
He was also quite the football fan and he loved cheering for the Orange and Blue. ILL-INI!
He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all those who were touched through his medical practice.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will be Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home at 2408 W. Willow Knolls Road in Peoria.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dr. Hernandez's children's education fund at Morgan Stanley Bank and can be sent in care of Sue Woods at Midwest Urology Group in Peoria.
Please visit Dr. Hernandez's obituary online at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com.
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