Demetrio Hernandez

Demetrio Rodriguez Hernandez went home to be with the Lord on November 23, 2020 at the age of 95.

He was born on December 22, 1924 in Estanzuela, Cocula, Jalisco, Mexico to Alejandro and Luisa Hernandez. In 1964, he settled in Watsonville with his wife Cristina where they raised their children.

Prior to settling in Watsonville, he worked for Coca-Cola in Nayarit, Mexico, and Rancho La Puerta in Tecate Baja California, Mex. Mr. Hernandez worked for several local farmers in the Watsonville area including T.O. Tomasello Company where he worked for over thirty years as a field supervisor.

He was a great patriarch who loved his family greatly and they in turn loved him and loved spending time with him. He loved barbequing for his family and sharing vivid entertaining stories with them about his life. He was known to his family as the Mexican McGuyver because he always came up with creative ways to fix things. He adored his grandchildren and they knew that they could always count on him for a sweet treat from his endless supply of candies. He also loved working in his garden with his wife, watching Clint Eastwood movies, the Price is Right and taking care of his little grand-doggies Foxxie, Coco and Daisy. He also loved the Lord and volunteered at Saint Patrick’s Church until he was no longer able to drive. He welcomed all into his home and was always a gracious host.

He will be missed greatly and will be remembered for his kindness, stories, compassion, teachings, and the love that he shared with all.

He is survived by his loving wife of 75 years Cristina, and their children Pedro (Isabel), Maria(Javier Contreras), Adam, Jose (Lisa), Eva Reyes(Mario), Max( Laura), Helene, Vickie Sanchez(Anthony), Maria Luisa, Ines and sister Josefina Miramontes of Villa Hidalgo Nayarit, Mexico. Known as “Yapa”, he leaves a legacy of many, many, grandchildren, and many great grandchildren extending three generations, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents Alejandro and Luisa, his daughter Alma Goodwin(Kenny) and his brothers and sisters Pedro, Leobardo, Micaela Pazos, and Ines Salazar.

A funeral mass in honor of Demetrio will take place on Wednesday, December 2 at St. Patrick’s church at 10:00AM.  The rosary be held at 5:00 PM later that evening at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, Watsonville with the visitation service to follow from 6:00-9:00PM.  The following day, on Thursday, December 3, the burial will take place at Pioneer Cemetery at 10:00AM.