Juan D. Hernández

1933 - 2021

Juan D. Hernández
June 25, 1933 - May 29, 2021
Sacramento, California -
Our father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Juan D. Hernández, 87, left this world on May 29, 2021. He was born on June 25, 1933 in Watts, California to Luísa del Sagrado Corazón Hernández and Juan "Wenceslao" Ayala Hernández. Though born to two immigrants, his dreams, his life, and his impact on the world grew to be much larger. Growing up in the Sawtelle area of West Los Angeles — mere miles from Hollywood — he found a lifelong love of the cinema at the local nickel matinees. By his early teens, he was living with his father in Tyler, Texas where he discovered an aptitude for piano, often playing in programs with pianist Van Cliburn. To support his studies in applied music at Midwestern University he taught piano and joined the Army ROTC. Upon completion of his degree, he enrolled in the US Army where he was a captain providing artillery instruction. After 2 years of active duty, he joined the Army Reserve in Southern California and served for 10 more years.
At the dawn of the civil rights movement, he wanted to create a meaningful and positive impact, so he made a career change. While studying for a master of social work degree at the University of Southern California, he also began working at the L.A. County Welfare Department. It's here that he met his beloved wife and fellow social worker, Ann. Together the young couple shared a vibrant social life from flamenco shows at El Cid to joining a bowling league and hosting Star Trek and Batman watch parties.
In 1972 Juan took a position in the graduate department of the School of Social Work at California State University, Sacramento where he was one of the first and few Chicano educators in academia at the time. For 30 years he provided leadership as a distinguished professor, graduate coordinator, and interim division director. He was dedicated to his students and particularly proud of his work to establish a college parolee program with the Community Resource Project. As an active member of both the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Latino Social Work Network of California (LSWN), Juan helped organize numerous events including the LSWN 2002 conference. Professionally, he was most proud of his involvement in the omnibus litigation that sought to resolve the issue of unequal provision of services to the Spanish speaking which resulted in the establishment of the Office for Civil Rights and the hiring of Latinos and other underrepresented groups.
Personally, Juan was most proud of his wife, five children, and one grandchild, often saying that family is the most important thing in life. He shared his commitment to social justice by including his family in his community organizing. Not only did Ann assist with his statewide lobbying efforts, together they brought their family to demonstrations for farmworker rights and doorknocking to register Spanish-speaking voters for the Southwest Voter Project. He loved all forms of music and delighted in playing his favorite flamenco, classical, or Mexican canciones on his stereo to raise his teenagers from their beds on weekend mornings. His friends will miss being offered sweets and a glass of champagne upon arrival at his home to show his appreciation for their visit. We will fondly remember his love of entertaining family and friends. He would say, "There must be an abundance of food" and to leave a drop of wine in your glass is a "mortal sin!"
Juan will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years "Winnie" Ann Hernández and their children, Juan Jr. (Mahini), María Alberigi (George III), Patrick (Laura), Sara, and Mónica (Tony Del Porto). Juan will forever be remembered by his beloved granddaughter Brianna (Theo Nault), his sister Yolanda Hamburger, and numerous nieces, nephews, colleagues, students, and friends. Juan is preceded in death by his parents and sister Wilda Johnson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to one of Juan's endowments at CSUS. The Juan D. Hernández Scholarship in Social Work or the Luísa del SC Hernández Memorial Nursing Scholarship: Sacramento State University, Development Office, 6000 J Street, MS 6030, Sacramento, CA 95819.
Funeral mass and services will be held on Friday, June 25, 2021, at 1 pm. St. Mary's Funeral Center Chapel, 6505 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento, CA. The services will also be live-streamed. Due to COVID, please plan to wear a mask.