Joe “Chepi” V. Hernandez, 86, was called by our Lord Jesus Christ on August 31, 2021, in Phoenix, AZ. He was born on January 15, 1935, in Tempe, AZ. He was preceded by the love of his life, his beloved wife Betty Acker Hernandez of 61 years. He is survived by his siblings: Francis, Bobbie and Mary; along with his loving children: Theodore (Inga), Joe (Melanie), David (Elizabeth), Michael (Monica) and daughter Beatrice; as well as, 17 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; and embraced Rudy Romo.
In first grade, Joe’s school job was a school monitor called Jr. Ranger for Monroe school in downtown Phoenix. He called it his “elite job.” He worked with his family in the fields picking vegetables and irrigating at a young age. He also worked for Tovrea Stockyards in Phoenix, Az. He also had the privilege to work for Roy Harris Jr. and family in roofing, now operated by David Harris his son; Valley of the Sun Roofing. On weekends Joe worked with 2 of his sons at Western Sales Auction, which at the time was owned, and operated by Ed and Betty Short.
In 1957, as our family started to grow, our Pa started working for the Department of Public Safety (DPS) as a custodian. He worked hard, advancing his way up to becoming a mechanic supervisor, and retiring after 32 ½ wonderful years. He obtained his GED in his forties and enrolled in managerial classes at Phoenix College. After he retired, he worked for Chief Auto Parts as an auditor.
Our dad loved the outdoors, he tremendously enjoyed fishing, hunting, and practice shooting, especially with his sons and close friends. His hobbies included learning and performing magic tricks and creating welded works of art, that he created with his supreme imagination.
Joe was a loyal servant of our Lord Jesus, and he did his best to teach his family about the importance of prayer. He was an active parishioner at St. Matthew’s Catholic Parish, and assisted with the adult religious education classes, preparing many adults for their sacraments. He had many wonderful friends and neighbors, who he loved to socialize with at gatherings and visits at his home.
Joe loved being a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother, friend, and neighbor, cherishing all those he loved to the very end of his time on earth. We will truly miss him dearly. God bless you “Pa”, “Tata”, and “Chepi”. Visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00 P.M., with a Rosary at 6:00 P.M., on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, September 9, 2021, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 320 N. 20th Drive, Phoenix. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Sally Lapre
Please accept my heartfelt condolences at this time of your huge loss. I’ll always cherish my childhood and adult memories of my Nino Joe. My favorite memory was seeing him dance with his sweetheart Betty in Hawaii. He always made me laugh and I am lucky to have one of his welded works of art in my backyard.
I know my mom (Lucy) will forever miss her best friends Betty and Joe
Josephine (Joey)
Dear Family,
My deepest heartfelt condolences and great admiration and love for your Father.
I pray that our Lord brings you and your family much-needed comfort and peace during this time of loss and grief.
Your Father, a remarkable man loved his family and went out of his way to help so many people and left a great legacy.
May the light of God surround you and protect you. Wherever you are, God is with you, Amen.
I love your Father may he rest in peace in Jesus name Amen.
Libby Hernandez
Beatrice, Tidor, Baby Joe, David, Michael, Andrew and all other grandchildren and great grandchildren. I want to offer my sincerest condolences! Tio Chepi was my last male link to my dad, he looked like him and had mannerisms same as my dad. Tio Chepi was a humble, loving, appreciative and caring soul. Adults and kids alike gravitated towards him. I will miss him greatly! Tia and Tio have left all of you as their legacy. Stay strong stay UNITED! I love you! -Libby
Valeria HERNANDEZ Galvan
My Heart broke and I still can’t believe that he has passed away, my Sincerest Condolences to All my Couins and Families, may Chepe be received up into Our Lord’s awaiting arms and the Perpetual Light Shine upon him. Chepe you will be missed along with your magic tricks that I remember you doing when you or my family would visit, please say hello to my Mom and Dad and may your magic tricks live on
Laura Guerrero
Beatrice and Hernandez Family,
My heartfelt condolences to all of you on the loss of a wonderful, loving, faith-filled father, grandfather, uncle and friend. Your parents were near and dear to our hearts. My parents adored Joe and Betty and we all have great memories growing up together in the neighborhood. Joe was such a comedian and always made my parents laugh and your mother blush! I pray that you all find comfort in knowing that they are all together again with our Lord; they are well, peaceful, laughing and loving again. My prayers for peace and comfort are with all of you. God bless you all.
Paul Romo
My deepest condolences to the Hernandez family. I just found out about Joe’s passing today (9/24) and regret not having attended his funeral, Joe was an amazing person. He was a great (and funny) storyteller and always was a joy to be around. I thought of him over the past few years and wish that I could have seem in him before he passed. He truly was “salt of the earth”. I will miss Joe and Betty…..a beautiful couple. They always made me feel welcome in their home.