Pierre HERNANDEZ

1953 - 2021

HERNANDEZ, Pierre Dominique "Pete" "Petey" 67, of Odessa, FL, passed away from Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) February 1, 2021. On May 6, 1953, Pierre was born in the city of Oran in the French Colony of Algeria to Dominique and Francine Hernandez. In 1956, he came to America with his parents in search of the American dream. Pierre is preceded in death by his mother, Francine Hernandez; his uncle, Jean Guillen; and brother-in-law, John Puls. Pierre found his dream job with the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, where he served the North Tampa community for 35 years. He retired as a Captain, Badge #101, and remained an active member of the International Association Fire Fighters, Local #2294. He was affectionately known as "Cap," "Cod," "Cod Father," "Cod Liv," and "P". On the fire scene, Pierre had a commanding presence, while at the firehouse he was a mentor to his brothers. In 1976, Pierre found his "soul mate", Regina, while playing soccer with his family and friends. Three years later they married and began a partnership that was one of a kind. They canoed the rivers of Florida, rafted the Colorado River, they snow skied yearly, hiked in the mountains of North Carolina, and swam with whale sharks in Cancun. This union was blessed with a deep love and affection for each other that lasted 44 years. Together they raised a lovely daughter Nicole, his "Sweetie", and taking care of "his girls" was his life's passion. In pursuing his family's dreams, Pierre, became an entrepreneur and built screen rooms on his days off with his brothers for 30 years. Together, they became North Tampa's "screen guys" and his tan Toyota truck was well-known around town and nicknamed the "Elephant." In 2016, Pierre, joined The Krewe of F-Troop Tampa, where he proudly answered to "Frenchy." He quickly became involved with supporting their charities and served on their Board for three years. On the parade route he was that guy who always made sure everyone was taken care of and safe. Pierre was the real deal when it came to true love and friendship. His enthusiasm for life was contagious with his smile and laugher. His handshakes and hugs reaffirmed that he was your friend and always there for you. In troubling times, he had a voice of reason and positive advice as his glass was always half full. He hosted many parties at his home and cooked his famous black beans and onions. Survived by his wife, Regina and his daughter, Nicole (Wesley); his father, Dominique; two sisters, Liz, and Jane (Laurie); two brothers, George (Margie) and Paul (Joette); and his aunt, Sandy Guillen; his in-laws, Rosalie Chalmers (George), Jack Puls (Nell), Elizabeth Duchaine (Dewey), Richard Puls (Danielle), Linda Napoli, Heather Moon (Jim), Leslie Vogels (Frans), Brandie Puls, Mary Petrone (Nick); nieces and nephews, Joseph (Kelsey) and Anna (Allen) Hernandez, Ricky (Madison), Morgan (Stephen), Johnathan and Devin Puls, Ava Moon, Mila Jane Petrone; honorary family, Bill (Elaine) Grace, Tiffany (Carson) Battershell, Jane Castor (Ana), Jackie Ramsey, Xavier (Valorie) and Luigi (Racheal) de Marchi; along with other family members, his wonderful neighbors, and so many great friends. A memorial mass will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Monday, February 22, at 10 am. The mass will also be live streamed via the YouTube link: https://youtu.be/jOllWJziv04. Masks and social distancing are required. The family will receive friends immediately following at Carrollwood Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Community Food Pantry, 13115 S. Village Drive, Tampa, FL., 33618.