Tom Hernandez Dies: Longtime Spokesman Was 'The Voice' Of D202

PLAINFIELD, IL — Tom Hernandez, the longtime director of community relations for Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202, died early Monday, his family said.

Former District 202 CAPE President Betsey Vinson shared a statement from Hernandez's daughter announcing his death. The administrator was diagnosed in 2022 with astrocytoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer from tumors that attack the astrocytes, which connect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

"After a long hard fight, he is finally at peace," his daughter wrote. "We are very grateful for everyone that has come by and saw him during his final days. We want everyone to remember him as the happy, funny wonderful, caring man he was."

While many in Plainfield knew Hernandez for his work with District 202, which he joined in 2006, the Joliet native was also an author. He published multiple books and helped write several others. His work, in the form of essays, poetry and fiction, explored "the many facets of everyday life and the 'thousand shades of gray' that color them," according to his website.

State Rep. Harry Benton, a former Village of Plainfield trustee, said Hernandez will "forever be known as 'the voice'" of District 202.

"I am deeply [saddened] to hear of the passing of Tom Hernandez," Benton said in a statement. "He was such a nice guy, funny, witty, and a great conversationalist. ... You will be missed."

Plainfield School District 202 issued a statement on behalf of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Glenn Wood, who called Hernandez a thoughtful, caring person who represented District 202 proudly and professionally.

"Tom Hernandez was a true champion for District 202 and was well known for his professionalism, positive attitude, and big heart," Wood said. "He was known as 'The Voice' of 202 because he made the school cancellation phone calls and often served as emcee for district and other events. Hernandez's legacy is one of compassion and community. He will be deeply missed."

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The Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce also shared a tribute Monday morning, calling him not only a member of the organization but a friend, too.

"I will miss his side bar/off the record conversations and his talks about music and books and raising kids," the statement read. "You will be missed, my friend by so many! Thoughts and prayers to his family."

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. April 20 at St. John Lutheran Church, 2650 Plainfield Road in Joliet. "We love and appreciate [everyone's] support," Hernandez's daughter wrote. "We will never be able to thank everyone enough."