HUMBERTO HERNANDEZ

1934 - 2023

HUMBERTO

HERNANDEZ

June 22, 1934 Aug. 29, 2023

On August 29, 2023, at the age of 89, Humberto Hernandez passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in El Centro, California. Humberto was affectionately known as Humbert or Bert by his friends and lovingly called Tata by his sixteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Humbert is survived by his children: Cynthia Trusso (Frank), Humbert Hernandez, Cecilia Aguilar (John), Corina Olivares (Rolando), and John Hernandez (Erin). He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Nellie, as well as his sisters, Armida Hernandez and Marie Bejarano, and brother, Juan Hernandez.

Humbert received his primary education in Calexico and Chuautomoc in Mexicali, Baja California. He attended Calexico High School and later enlisted in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in 1955 from Fort Bragg's 82nd Airborne Division. Following his military service, he dedicated his career to serving his community as a police officer in Calexico. During his time in the force, he pursued higher education at Imperial Valley College, where he earned an Associate's degree in Administration of Justice. In 1978, he made history by becoming the first Mexican American to be appointed as Chief of Police in Calexico, a position he held until his retirement in 1982.

Beyond his professional life, Humbert had a deep passion for various community organizations. He served as the president of the Calexico Little League and was a devoted member of the Calexico Bulldogs Booster Club and the Elks Club of Calexico. He also held the position of Vice President in the Imperial Valley Police Chiefs Association and initiated the Calexico Police Olympics' "Punt, Pass, and Kick" event. Humberto was a member of the Imperial Masonic Lodge, where he served as Postmaster in El Centro, as well as the Imperial Lodge #390. Additionally, he held the positions of Past President in the Imperial Valley Shrines Club and the Imperial Scottish Rite. Humberto was also a Master Artisan of the Order of Quetzalcoatl, Azteca No. 2 of San Diego.

Humberto Hernandez will forever be in our hearts and remembered as a dedicated father, Tata, public servant, trailblazer, and a beloved member of his community. His legacy of service and commitment will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.

We invite you to join us in honoring his memory at a memorial service to be held at Hems Brothers Mortuary in El Centro on Monday, September 25, 2023, from 6 to 9 PM.

A Catholic Mass will follow the next morning at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Calexico on September 26, 2023, at 10 AM. Immediately thereafter, we will proceed to Mountain View Cemetery in Calexico for the burial services.