Joe Edward Hernandez

Joe Edward Hernandez
February 2, 1942 – April 27, 2025

Joe Edward Hernandez passed away peacefully, on April 27, 2025, holding his wife’s hand, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on February 2, 1942, Joe was the eldest of eight brothers: Jesse, Jimmy, John, Thomas, Ronald, Michael and David.

He was the beloved son of Inocencia and Jose Hernandez, and grew up in Sacramento, where some of his fondest memories were of playing with his brothers at Southside Park and joining Scout Troop 38 as a young boy. That early sense of joy and strong family connection stayed with Joe his entire life.

He worked for many years as an electrician mechanic at the Sacramento Army Depot, where his work ethic earned the respect of colleagues and friends alike. Joe had a gift for working with his hands—whether on the job or in his free time. He enjoyed carpentry, coaching his daughter’s softball team, singing, dancing, and watching or talking about sports, always with a spark in his eye and a song in his heart.

One of Joe’s proudest accomplishments was building a home for his parents—a labor of love he undertook alongside his brothers, and a lasting symbol of the deep bonds they shared.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Mary (Rivera), and their children: Christina (Haven), Joey (Allison), and Carmen (Mark). He was a devoted grandfather to Michael (Desiree), Erin, Victor (Petra), Julian, Rachel, Thomas, Matthew, Kate, Sarah, and Eric. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Gavin, Vincent, and Rowan, who brought him joy and pride in his later years.  Joe will be remembered with love by his cousins and his many nieces and nephews: John, Jimmy, Lisa, Jesse, Stella, Esperanza, Irene, Veronica, Alicia, Marissa, Christopher, Angie, Meesha, Vance and Ignacio.

Joe’s life was marked by love, laughter, and generosity. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and remembered always as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

A Visitation and Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, starting at 10am at St. Mary’s Cemetery and Funeral Center, 6509 Fruitridge Rd, Sacramento, CA 95820.
A celebration of Joe’s life will take place following the service, at the home of Christina and Haven Frantz. All who knew and loved Joe are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Joe’s memory to the nonprofit organization supporting Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment at https://www.giftstoshareinc.org/ or Scout Troop 50 https://www.buddhistchurch.org/giving.