Antonio Hernandez Jr.

Antonio “Tony” Hernandez Jr. passed away of natural causes at his home on Sunday, April 15, 2018. He is a direct descendant the founders settlers of Laredo. He was devoted husband, father and committed friend to so many in Laredo where he worked and lived for the better part of his life. He worked for the Texas Employment Commission for 35 years, as he spent many years providing support to the Laredo community with his expertise in Texas employment policy. He was a pillar of the community, a dedicated businessman specializing in sports manufacturing. A graduate of Martin High School class of 1954, he went on to attend and received his Associates Degree from Laredo Junior College in 1956 and graduated with a B.A. in political science from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He was a prolific boxer in his youth, won City of Laredo Boxing Champ 1954, and went on to participate in the State of Texas Golden Gloves competition, 1955. Tony was also a member of the Jaycees and LULAC for many years and a lifelong member of Holy Redeemer parish. A dedicated and committed father and husband, Tony enjoyed Astros baseball, the Detroit Lions, hunting and fishing in his spare time. An avid traveler and historian of Mexican culture, he enjoyed the more arcane aspects of border life with an extensive knowledge of South Texas. Mr. Hernandez is preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Guadalupe Hernandez; son, Antonio Hernandez III.; brother, Emilio Hernandez; sister, Olga Hernandez Garza. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Maria Rosa Z. Hernandez; children, Rosa I. (Abel) Canales, Ellie D. Hernandez, Ph.D. (Deena), Norma S. (Alberto) Sandoval, Carlos I. (Dianira) Hernandez, and Claudia Hernandez (Ricardo Reyes); grandchildren, Jimmy, Rebecca, Joseph, Alma, Selina, Adriana, Abel Jr., Albert, Victoria, and Tony IV.; siblings, Dolores (Javier+) Gonzalez, Ofelia (Amador) Juarez, Fidel (Trine) Hernandez, and Gloria (Jesus+) Benavides. Mr. Hernandez is also survived by 9 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family and friends. A rosary will be recited on Friday, April 20, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hillside Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. from Hillside Funeral Home to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Funeral Home opens at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow to the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. If you would like to sign the guestbook or send private condolences, you may do so at www.hillsidefuneral.com Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Road.