Carlos Miguel Hernandez's Obituary
Carlos Hernandez was a devoted husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather, but above all, a faithful Catholic dedicated to the Church and her mission.
Carlos was born in Amarillas, Matanzas, Cuba, in 1928, on his parents’ farm, where he was raised alongside his ten siblings. After a long and loving courtship, he married the love of his life, Juana Mendez, in 1954. Together, they built a beautiful family and were blessed with two daughters, Jenny and Mari Carmen.
In the early 1950s, Carlos worked in the fabric department of Ultra in Havana, Cuba. With the rise of the Castro regime and fearing communism, Carlos and Juana made the difficult decision to leave their homeland at the start of the revolution. They fled to Spain, where they lived for two years before continuing their journey in pursuit of a better future.
Carlos always admired the United States and was determined to achieve the American Dream. Upon arriving in the U.S., he worked tirelessly to provide for his family, eventually becoming an American citizen and opening his own business, Carlos Draperies. His shop became a true family endeavor, where he worked alongside his brother, Nery Hernandez, and his daughters. Over the years, he not only built a successful business but also created opportunities for many others.
Carlos was known for his extraordinary hospitality. He welcomed everyone into his home with open arms, believing that no one was a stranger—only family yet to be embraced. His home was a place of warmth, laughter, and faith.
He was deeply devoted to his parish, Saint John the Apostle in Hialeah, Florida, where he and Juana were active members. Carlos served his church in countless ways: as a member of the Knights of Columbus, a choir leader, a CCD teacher, and an organizer of mission trips to aid the poor in Haiti as well as pilgrimages to sacred sites. He also hosted rosary and Bible study gatherings in his home, finding great joy in sharing his faith with others.
Carlos especially loved bringing people together. He was known for hosting large Noche Buena and Thanksgiving celebrations, always making room for one more at the table. Family was at the center of his life, and he cherished organizing annual summer vacations to Sanibel Island, gathering his extended family for time filled with love, togetherness, and Dominos.
Carlos is survived by his daughters, Jenny Alvarez and Maria Gebaide; his grandchildren, Richard, Alexis, Jennifer, Marla, and Chris; and his great-grandchildren, D.J., Kevin, Isabella, Luke, Rafael, Leila, Juliet, Orion, and Violet. He is also survived by his sister, Mirtha Huertas, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
We find peace in knowing that Carlos is now resting in the presence of the Lord, reunited with his beloved wife, Juana, his siblings, and the many friends who went before him.
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