Salvador Hernandez

Salvador was born on December 10, 1922 at the family home in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico. His parents were Salvador and María de La Luz Hernández. Salvador was raised in Leon, Guanajuato, and Mexico City Distrito Federal. Salvador grew up with an older brother Lic. Hector Hernandez (deceased) from Chihuahua,Chihuahua, .

As a young boy, Salvador took part in street soccer and baseball. He was an alter server in Leon, San Miguel Church and the National Cathedral in Mexico City D. F. In his youth he worked at a live theater (Teatro Colonial) where he learned his future, the art of comedy and master of ceremonies, which would lead to his many years of broadcasting on the radio.

During his high school years, he attended classes at the Seminary in Leon, Gto. Salvador did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to him. Teachers and classmates knew Salvador as an excellent listener. He placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for him just around the corner.

Salvador did well in college, as a result of his being intuitive and finely organized. He earned his Associate Arts Degree/Honors at Cañada College, Bachelor of Arts degree/ Spanish from San Jose State University. He also pursued graduate school, earning his Master of Arts/ Specialist in Mexican American Studies/ Bilingual Bicultural from San Jose State University in 1976. His favorite courses were U. S. History and English Literature. His favorite professor was Dr. Les Campbell. Salvador planned and executed the Cinco de Mayo production at Cañada College in the theater performing on stage in comical skits and acting. He wrote the scripts for the actors (students). The skill of being a good communicator helped Salvador immensely during his college days. He was comfortable with abstract information and theories and tended to thrive on the subjects that forced him to think. No matter what class it was, Salvador was always very perceptive and embraced the mental challenges that his college experience provided.

On September 5, 1970 Salvador and Lidia Martinez were married in Reno, Nevada and renewed their vows at Nativity Church in Menlo Park, CA. Compassionate and devoted, Salvador worked hard to make his new family happy. He was always generous with his time and this meant that his family came first in his life.

Salvador was a wonderful father to his children. Salvador shared his morals and values with his two children, his son, Juan (John) and daughter Rose Anne (Anne). Salvador related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him and he was completely and totally devoted to them.

Salvador experienced success in his work life over and over again. Salvador had two primary occupations; the first one was in XEH-FM professional radio announcer/ Mexico, and his second one he was a teacher/educator.Salvador was a mentor, a natural “teacher” leading others and bringing out the best in all of his students and those around him. He was employed by Ampex Corporation, for 10 years, and by San Jose Unified School District, for 20 years. In retirement he became a substitute teacher along the Peninsula, Brisbane, Redwood City, Menlo Park, and Palo Alto as needed. He did some color spots as a radio announcer/ aka sports commentator (baseball) KBRG-FM. Salvador always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by his colleagues as a team player. Salvador took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Salvador was one to take the initiative and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Salvador continually sought to learn what his co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled him to help them develop their own potential. He took great pleasure in his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were coin collecting, listening to music, writing poetry, mystery writing, and radio engineer (FCC Licensee) KBRG FM and KVEZ FM. Salvador enjoyed sharing his passions with others.

Salvador derived much satisfaction from sports. Recreational sports included bowling and walking. Salvador was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite team events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were his beloved 49ers.

Salvador was well known to move into action to help others, a quality that placed him as an active contributor to many community activities. Charismatic by nature, he was always viewed by others as someone who built bridges, connected to people, and upheld his personal values. He volunteered at St. Anthony's dining hall, picked up and delivered food for the St. Vincent De Paul Society. He was also involved with Lions Club, Foresters, Little League, and baseball coach at Nativity School. Politically, Salvador was a member of Redwood City, Advisory Board (North Fair Oaks) and Nativity School Board of Education.

Salvador’s faith was important to him. He was a member of St Anthony's Church for 10 years, Nativity Church for 16 years, and St. Pius Church for 25 years. During that time, he also prepared youth confirmations and attended daily mass. He was a devoted Guadalupano. He was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in his work with the congregation.

Salvador enjoyed traveling, he would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling the family vacations. His gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with him were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included Mexico, Melbourne, Australia, Europe, France, Italy, and Disneyland.

Salvador was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites, his German Shepherd (Dougie), and Jeffey and Marble, his two cats.

When Salvador’s retirement finally came in 1999, he was well prepared. He had taken care to plan for this part of his life. In retirement, he found new pleasure in travel, senior group (St. Pius) Daily, Mass going to Casinos, attending mariachi music concerts, and reading. Even in retirement, Salvador continued to stay in touch with his old friends and made new friends and acquaintances.

Salvador passed away on December 4, 2013 at home in the arms of his wife and in the company of his son, John. He is survived by his children John and Anne, and son in law Andrew Callaghan of Bayswater, Australia, and "daughter" Raquel Roa of Visalia, CA.plus many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Services will be held at St. Pius Catholic Church Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at 11:30am.

Throughout his life, Salvador was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. Salvador leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember him.