Francisco Hernandez's Obituary
Francisco Hernandez, 81, of Lorain, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, after bravely battling cancer over the past year.
He was born on March 8, 1944, in Lorain, Ohio, to Pedro and Elizabeth (née Palacios) Hernandez. Francisco was a proud 1962 graduate of Lorain Admiral King High School, where he was a member of the very first graduating class. On January 16, 1963, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country with honor until his discharge on January 4, 1967.
Following his military service, Francisco worked as a millwright at Ford Motor Company, dedicating 32 years to his career before retiring in 2007. He was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Chapel and was active in many community and veteran organizations, including El Centro, the AMVETS, the VFW, and the UAW Hispanic Council, where he served as president.
Francisco was known for his strong work ethic, his willingness to volunteer, and his generous spirit of giving back to the community. He enjoyed photography, but his greatest joy came from time spent with his beloved family.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Theresa (née Navarro); his children, Eric Hernandez, Tanya Howard, Derek (Monica) Hernandez, and Joseph Hernandez; grandchildren, Noe and Alexa Hernandez, Ciera and Andrew Weidman Jr., Alyssa Hernandez, Moriah Howard, Ronin Rogers, and Blake, Isabella, and Jilyan Hustic; 8 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ernie (Judy) Hernandez and Jesse (Kitty) Hernandez; and sisters, Rita (Nick) Hryszczenko, Alice Hernandez, and Sara Hernandez.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Francine Hernandez; his son, Emanuel Hernandez; his parents, Pedro and Elizabeth Hernandez; his sister, Lele Cornejo; and brother-in-law, Jerry Cornejo.
The family will receive friends on Monday, September 22, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral center. Rev, Father Alexander Spenik, Pastor of Sacred Heart Chapel will officiate. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.dovinreberjones.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Francisco?
What’s a lesson you learned from Francisco?
Share a story where Francisco's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Francisco you’ll never forget.
How did Francisco make you smile?

