Joseph J. Hernandez
August 31, 1930 - February 7, 2025
Joseph J. Hernandez, known fondly as “Joe” age 94, of New Castle, DE, surrounded by his family, peacefully passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025.
Born in New York, NY on August 31, 1930, Joe was the son of the late Julio D. Hernandez and Elisa Pimentel Hernandez.
Joe graduated with honors from the Manhattan School of Aviation. In July of 1949, Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force and reported for basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. His military service in both the Air Force and Air National Guard spanned forty-one years with global deployments to Japan during the Korean War.
In 1953, Joe married his beloved wife and life partner Mildred Noya Hernandez. They subsequently reported to Dover AFB and in 1962, Joe joined the Delaware Air National Guard in New Castle, DE. Joe was a devoted father who championed his family’s many diverse activities from soccer to little league baseball to ice hockey to music and ballet classes to classic automobiles.
Joe was a lifelong devoted New York Yankees fan and enjoyed traveling to the Bronx, NY for games at Yankee Stadium. A season ticketholder at the Wilmington Blue Rocks for many years, Joe simply loved baseball! His love of cars led to his lovingly restoration of antique Plymouth automobiles. He was an active member and officer of the Plymouth Owners Club specifically the Delaware Valley Region for over 50 years.
Joe was a man of immense humor and wisdom, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones. His passion and unwavering spirit will forever be remembered – he will be greatly missed.
The family wishes to acknowledge the loving care provided to “Mr. Joe” by the AccentCare Hospice team of Madison Dutton and Alicia Beulah. Your support has meant the world to us.
Joe leaves behind his children, Richard J. Hernandez (Lisa) of New Castle, Diane L. Hernandez (Charles Botwright) of New Castle, and Philip J. Hernandez (Donna) of Claymont; sister, Carmen Rief; nephew, Joseph Rief (Julia) of New Castle; sister-in-law, Carmen Rodriguez of Brentwood, NY; and the light of his world his grandchildren, Jason R. Hernandez (Rachel Boruta) of Newark, Elizabeth R. Hernandez (Derrick Vella) of Toronto, Canada and Thomas C. Botwright (Wenbo Fan) of Newark.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Noya Hernandez and his parents, Julio D. and Elisa P. Hernandez.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Monday evening, February 17, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 AM on Tuesday morning, February 18, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Church, 345 Bear-Christiana Road, Bear, DE. Entombment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to AccentCare Hospice, 17855 North Dallas Parkway, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75287 or online by clicking here.
Tom Staats
Mr. Hernandez was one of my hero’s. Along with his lovely wife, they were 2 of the best people my family and I were fortunate to have in our lives. Joe will be sorely missed but will be reunited with the love of his life and be in at peace. I have so many good memories and will keep them close. Until we meet again, rest in peace my friend!
Frank Nesci
Rick…my condolences to you and family…only got to meet Dad a couple of times..he acted as if we were ol’ friends..may he rest in peace.
Susan C. Davis
To the Hernandez Family, My deepest sympathy on Joe’s passing. My late husband, Robert, and I worked with Joe in the Delaware National Guard. Joe was a jovial guy, a great leader and mentor to many. Joe and Robert were very active in the union activities during those years. May God bless and comfort you during this time.
Tom Lauppe
Dear Joe and the entire Hernandez family, Joe honored us with his friendship and humor. A universally great man. Thank you Joe for being a respected military leader and mentor. Your candor and ethics kept us all safer in the Air National Guard. We will remember you and say your name!
Respectfully,
Tom Lauppe
AKKissell Family
Condolences to the Hernandez Family.We knew your family though the Brandywine Region AACA, Jack Lakatos and Plymouth events.
AK,Helga, Arno Kissell
Henry J. Rome
To the Henandez family. My deepest condolences to each and every one of Joes family. Joe will always be remembered by me as one of the biggest New York Yankee fans of all times. He could rattle off stats faster than my own father. But most of all he will be remembered as a true American who served his country for over 40 years in the USAF and the Delaware Air National Guard. May you each cherish his memories, and his legacy. God Bless! Rest in Peace Joe!