Alfonso "Al" Hernandez Jr.

1931 - 2007

Alfonso "Al" Hernandez Jr. passed away, Aug. 31, 2007, at his home at the age of 76, with his family at his side.

He was a loving father and grandfather. Born June 1, 1931, in Santa Paula to his parents, Alfonso J. Hernandez, Sr., and Louise L. Hernandez. Two years later, his brother, Richard R. Hernandez, was born. The family eventually moved to Ventura in 1935. He attended Ventura High School and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in the Korean War, including the landing at Inchon, the capture of Seoul, the Chosin Reservoir and other operations in south and central Korea.

After returning home, he married Florence L. Armstrong, and in 1952, they had a son, Edward. Eventually he left the Marines and returned to civilian life, working as a painter at Point Mugu Naval Air Station. In 1956, they had a daughter, Deborah. Eventually he worked as a commercial and residential painter. He has been retired for a number of years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfonso J. Hernandez Sr. and Louise L. Hernandez.

He is survived by his brother, Richard R. Hernandez; son, Edward A. Hernandez; daughter, Deborah L. Hernandez (Garcia); granddaughter, Lori N. Chassedi; grandson, Nicholas Martinez; great-granddaughters, Jackie and Alyssa Mendoza; great-grandson, Sy Chassedi; his former wife, Florence McCarthy; and many nieces and nephews.

He was always very proud of his service. Once a Marine, always a Marine. He always said, "Marines don't die, they just go away. Semper Fi."

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, with rosary services at 7 p.m. at Joseph Reardon Funeral Home, 757 East Main Street, downtown Ventura, Calif., with graveside services at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 7, at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.