Obituary: Horacio M. Hernandez, of East Haven

Information via PORTO FUNERAL HOME

Horacio M. Hernandez, “Papi” died on May 3, 2018. Horacio was born on November 18, 1924, to the late Horacio and Maria-Piedra Hernandez of Placeta, Cuba. Horacio is survived by his brother, Hamlet Hernandez and sisters, Juana Mora and Dignora Rodriquez.

He was predeceased by his sister, Maria Emilia Rodriquez. In Cuba he was employed as a cigar “roller” with the famous H. Upmann Cigars. He married the love of his life, Ela Rivera, on Christmas Day of 1952. In 1958, he and his wife emigrated to the United States with their new born child. Shortly after arriving in the USA he worked in the embroidery business in West New York, New Jersey.

Upon securing employment with Olin’s/Winchester Western in 1968, he moved his family to Hamden, CT, where his family enjoyed memorable times together and with friends.

His family and friends enjoyed the bounty of his love of gardening at 113 Bradly Avenue. He retired from Olin’s/U.S. Repeating Arms. Horacio is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Ela Rivera Hernandez, his sons, Horacio “Hersh” Hernandez. Lt Col, USMC (Constance), Hamlet M. Hernandez, Lt Col. USMC (Sara), and his daughter, Maria Brereton (Daniel). Horacio had nine grandchildren: Horacio Mark Hernandez (Julia), Carolyn Hernandez VanDeventer (Dave), Catherine Dineen Hernandez (predeceased), Hamilton Michael Hernandez, Kathryn Marie Brereton, John Horacio Brereton, Rachel Claire Hernandez, Richard Hamlet Hernandez, and Garrity Anne Karr (Anthony). Horacio also had four beautiful great-grandchildren: Mac, Eli, Ben and Ada VanDeventer. Horacio adored his family and was extremely proud of his naturalized America citizenship.

He was an ardent defender of the American values of freedom, generosity, and kindness; always proudly displaying the American flag.

Horacio believed in working hard to provide education, opportunity, safety and well-being to his family. In retirement he extensively traveled the country and Europe while always keeping tabs on his beloved Mets. Papi worked hard to make his American Dream become a reality for his family. He succeeded!His funeral procession will leave the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte 80) East Haven Monday morning at 8:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Pompeii Church at 9:00. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Hamden. Friends may call SUNDAY from 4:00-7:00 PM.