Antonio C. Hernandez Sr.

"DAD"

Antonio Cleobis Hernandez Sr. passed away quietly in his sleep on June 12, 2018 at 1:30am due to multiple degenerative conditions stemming from his military service related exposures and injuries.    Most recently suffering from Liver and renal failure with the suspected spread of stomach cancer.  

Antonio was born on April 20^th 1944 in Santiago, Cuba to Asencio Gilberto Hernandez and Melba Garcia Hernandez.

Antonio moved to New York City when he was 8 years old and then moved to New Jersey a few years later where he grew up, met his eventual spouse, entered into active military service, and then upon returning home was married and began a small family.  

Dad served in the US Army from 5/11/1964 to 5/10/1967 where he served for 2 years in Germany and then 1 year in Vietnam.    He was a disabled veteran due to injuries suffered in Vietnam and suffered from severe back pain for the remainder of his life.   However, he was always very loyal and proud of his service and country.

Antonio was married on 7/20/1967 to Elia M. Hernandez in Camden, New Jersey, after which they started a family with 3 children.   

Through-out his working years Antonio was self -employed with businesses like Roofing, Pest control, Real Estate and Auto Insurance.  In July of 1990, he moved to SLC Utah to enjoy a different setting for the next chapter in his life.  

In Dad's younger years he enjoyed going camping with his young family and occasionally going hunting with his wife.    He also enjoyed playing dominoes with his family and watching action and science fiction movies. 

Through-out his whole life, he loved playing the piano and listening to uplifting music.   He also loved, and it was not uncommon for him to suddenly have an urge for seafood or fried plantains in the middle of the night.

As Dad got older, he was proud to have worked for a period of time at the Jordan River Temple where he was a Veil worker.   He often spent time reading and studying the scriptures and at other times found himself drawn to the History channel to watch "very interesting" documentaries.   

Antonio is survived by his loving wife Elia Maria (Pastoriza) Hernandez; his 3 children Anthony Jr. (Jill), Omar (Rebecca), Tamara (Chris); and 23 grandchildren and 2 great grandsons.  

Antonio was preceded in death by his parents (Asencio & Melba), his younger brother (Hector) and many other aunts, uncles and cousins.  

A viewing will be held on Friday, June 15, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 PM at Utah Veterans Memorial Park 17111 South Camp Williams Road, Bluffdale.