Obituary of Ismael G. Hernandez

Ismael “Ish” Hernandez passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and best friends by his side on Tuesday April 11, 2017 after a battle with cancer. He was 61. Ismael is survived by his beautiful wife of 40 years Jerrianne “Jeri”, daughters Amanda, Elena & Kristine; son-in-law Ian, two grandsons Porter and Charlie, and Jon O. He is proceeded in death by his son Jaysen Alexander, his parents Ismael and Petra, and his brother Ricky. Ismael was born on June 10, 1955 in Loving, NM. His family moved to San Jose, CA early on, were Ismael attended Peter Burnett Jr. High School, then graduating with honors from Lincoln High School. Upon graduation, Ismael joined the U.S. Navy where he served his country for four years, traveling to many locations overseas, then going into the reserves. Immediately after honorably discharging from the Navy, Ish was hired on at Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), where he devoted 38 years of service, before retiring in 2015. Once Ish got out of the Navy and was settling into work-life at PG&E, he turned a corner one day and saw Jeri, working at a shop around the corner from the PG&E yard. Being the persistent guy he was, he would walk by the shop several times a day, trying to get Jeri to catch-his eye, until he finally asked her out… 40 years later, and the rest is history! Around 1986, Ish & Jeri made the decision to leave San Jose, to raise their three daughters in Hollister, where they have resided ever since, building a strong community with several close friends. Ish was always known for putting others first, and putting himself second, both personally, professionally and for his community. Ish was involved in many organizations were he would give countless hours of his time including The Hollister Ag Boosters; Hollister Elks Lodge; The Boosters Club, as well as several others that he loved to help BBQ for when needed. Ish was also the 2009 National Philanthropic recipient, awarded by The Hollister Elks Lodge, as well as awarded in 2016 from the Hazel Hawkins Hospital Foundation. Ish was always the kind of guy that you could count on – he was always there to lend a helping hand, whether you were family, a friend or a stranger! No task was ever too big or too small – he loved to help! Ish’s work ethic was like nothing else, and admired and envied by many! He was one of the hardest working men most will ever meet! Ish was the friendliest guy, and could talk to anyone – and DID! He was known to befriend many, and was liked and loved by everyone he met! He had a great sense of humor, but was the strong one in every situation. Ish had many hobbies, and loved to stay busy and have fun! He loved to hunt in San Benito County, but most of all loved to go back to New Mexico every year and hunt in The Queens with his late Uncle Juan, cousin “little brother” Jack, as well as many other close cousins. He loved to fish both fresh and salt water. For the last 30 years he would put together a group of buddies for an annual fishing trip to Palmas de Cortez, Los Barriles, Mexico. He looked forward to this trip every year, and to take new family and friends to one of his favorite places, and enjoy the fishing he loved! Ish and his family loved to travel, especially to their beloved Bass Lake, where they have cherished over 30 plus years of memories. He was an avid sports fan and always stayed faithful to his San Francisco 49ers and Giants. His biggest pride of all was his family. He was a loving husband, an amazing father, and the proudest grandfather “papa”. He was always so proud of his kids and grandkids, sharing stories often. He was the pillar of his family, and he will truly be missed. Services will be held on Thursday April 27th at 12pm Noon at St. Benedict Catholic Church – 1200 Fairview Rd. Hollister, CA. 95023. A reception will follow the Mass at St. Benedict Church at San Juan Oaks Golf Club, 3825 Union Road, Hollister 831-636-6113 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ismael’s memory to the Hazel Hawkins Hospital Foundation or to the Hollister Elks Lodge No.1436.