Joseph J. Hernandez

Joseph J. Hernandez, known fondly as “Joe” age 94, of New Castle, DE, surrounded by his family, peacefully passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025. Born in New York, NY on August 31, 1930, Joe was the son of the late Julio D. Hernandez and Elisa Pimentel Hernandez. Joe graduated with honors from the Manhattan School of Aviation. In July of 1949, Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force and reported for basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. His military service in both the Air Force and Air National Guard spanned forty-one years with global deployments to Japan during the Korean War. In 1953, Joe married his beloved wife and life partner Mildred Noya Hernandez. They subsequently reported to Dover AFB and in 1962, Joe joined the Delaware Air National Guard in New Castle, DE. Joe was a devoted father who championed his family’s many diverse activities from soccer to little league baseball to ice hockey to music and ballet classes to classic automobiles. Joe was a lifelong devoted New York Yankees fan and enjoyed traveling to the Bronx, NY for games at Yankee Stadium. A season ticketholder at the Wilmington Blue Rocks for many years, Joe simply loved baseball! His love of cars led to his lovingly restoration of antique Plymouth automobiles. He was an active member and officer of the Plymouth Owners Club specifically the Delaware Valley Region for over 50 years. Joe was a man of immense humor and wisdom, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones. His passion and unwavering spirit will forever be remembered – he will be greatly missed. The family wishes to acknowledge the loving care provided to “Mr. Joe” by the AccentCare Hospice team of Madison Dutton and Alicia Beulah. Your support has meant the world to us. Joe leaves behind his children, Richard J. Hernandez (Lisa) of New Castle, Diane L. Hernandez (Charles Botwright) of New Castle, and Philip J. Hernandez (Donna) of Claymont; sister, Carmen Rief; nephew, Joseph Rief (Julia) of New Castle; sister-in-law, Carmen Rodriguez of Brentwood, NY; and the light of his world his grandchildren, Jason R. Hernandez (Rachel Boruta) of Newark, Elizabeth R. Hernandez (Derrick Vella) of Toronto, Canada and Thomas C. Botwright (Wenbo Fan) of Newark. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Noya Hernandez and his parents, Julio D. and Elisa P. Hernandez. A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Monday evening, February 17, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 AM on Tuesday morning, February 18, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Church, 345 Bear-Christiana Road, Bear, DE. Entombment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to AccentCare Hospice, 17855 North Dallas Parkway, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75287 or online by clicking here.

Joseph J. Hernandez

August 31, 1930 - February 7, 2025