Rogelio Hernandez Sr.

HERNANDEZ -Rogelio Hernandez Sr., as a young man, Rogelio of Walnut came to the United States with little more than a strong work ethic and a passion to build a life and family of which he could be proud. Fulfilling that passion, Rogelio passed away June 6. He was 63. Rogelio embodied the American Dream and was the epitome of a patriarch. He instilled in his four children the importance of ambition, pride, empathy, and was that rare kind of person who had both a sharp mind for busi ness and a heart for compassion. With those traits, he and his wife, Obdulia, raised children who would become leaders in politics, law enforcement and academia. Always humble and giving, Rogelio also shared a kinship with nature since he was a child on his family's ranch. He often took long walks along the horse trails in Walnut and would become mesmerized by the rolling green hills that hug the 57 Freeway.An oft-repeated phrase in the Hernandez household was "Let's go to the park." He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, shaking his hand and landing a kiss on his cheek. Rogelio is survived by his wife, Obdulia; sons Roger, Gilbert and Jaime; daughter Veronica; father, Luis; two brothers, a sister, cousins, and many nieces and nephews. Services begin Thursday at 7:00 p.m. with a wake at St. Elizabeth's Ann Seton Catholic Church in Rowland Heights. Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday at St. Elizabeth's, followed by a burial at Resurrection Cemetery in Montebello.