Jose A. Hernandez

Jose Ariel Hernandez, 89, beloved husband of Librada Valle Hernandez, passed away peacefully of natural causes at his home on February 26, 2025. Born on December 13, 1935, in Aguada, Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Francisco Hernandez Acevedo and Maria Perez Cordero. Jose moved to Meriden, CT, where he built a life filled with love, dedication, and quiet strength. Jose attended Escuela de Segunda Unidad Epifania -Estrada Jaguey in Puerto. He worked at Wallace Silver Smith and later retired from Jonal Laboratories in Meriden. A proud veteran, he served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Puerto Rico with the Auxiliary Ordnance, achieving the rank of Private E-1. He was a devoted parishioner of Saint Rose of Lima Church. Jose found joy in life's simple pleasures, sharing picnics in his backyard, relaxing in his hammock in the garage, or soaking in the warmth of summer days from his porch. He took great pride in his gardening, meticulously tending to his vegetables each year and in his car, which he kept spotless no matter the season, rain, snow, or sleet. His attention to detail extended even to restoring old pennies, bringing them back to their original luster. An avid baseball fan, he loved cheering for the New York Yankees, the Mets and Boston teams, often sharing these moments with his daughter. His family was his heart; he frequently called his sisters in Puerto Rico to check on them, ensuring they felt his warmth and love. Known for his gentle nature, Jose was a devoted husband often found holding hands with his wife while watching tv, they were inseparable. His generosity extended to his community through regular donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Shrines Hospitals for Children, the Breast Cancer Foundation and others. Deeply connected to his Puerto Rican roots, Jose often reminisced about his homeland. With a red pocket radio, you will find him listening to his spanish music and the joy of family gatherings, where he played dominoes or cards with friends and family. He shared an inseparable bond with his dog, Chloe, affectionately called "la nena of the house", who accompanied him on walks and to gatherings. Besides his loving wife, Librada of 60 years, he is survived by his daughter Madeline Hernandez (Gaetano Zavaglia Jr).; his three sons; Edwin Hernandez (Anita Hernandez), Edward Hernandez (Belinda Hernandez), and Robert Hernandez (Amanda Hernandez); his five grandchildren Gaetano G. Zavaglia III, Dylan Hernandez, Jason Hernandez, Yesenia Hernandez and Kianna Hernandez. He is also survived by his three sisters, Ofelia Hernandez, Zaida Hernandez (Efigenio Mejias) and Canji Hernandez, his sisters in law, Ricarda "Julie" Hernandez, Angelita "Lita" Hernandez, Estrella Hernandez; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Ernesto, Sergio and Luis Hernandez. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, March 7th at 1:00 pm at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 250 Gypsy Lane, Meriden CT 06450. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the cemetery. The John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St., Meriden is entrusted with the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jose, please visit our floral store.