Dates
Born on September 8, 1955, in Galveston, Texas, Gerry lived a life filled with laughter, music, friendship, service, and love. A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, he served honorably as a Corporal and earned numerous distinctions, including the Rifle Expert Badge (Second Award), Meritorious Mast (Fourth Award), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal. The values of honor, loyalty, and commitment that defined his military service remained with him throughout his life.
Following his military service, Gerry dedicated 41 years to the United States Postal Service before retiring in 2025. His strong work ethic, reliability, and dedication to serving others earned him the respect and admiration of coworkers, customers, and friends throughout his career.
Anyone who knew Gerry knew he never met a stranger. Clever, funny, outgoing, and endlessly charismatic, he had a remarkable ability to change the atmosphere of a room with his wit and sense of humor. Whether through a well- timed joke, a playful comment, or one of his many stories, Gerry had a gift for bringing people together and making people feel welcome. He was stubborn in the way only a proud Marine could be, but his charm and warmth made it impossible not to love him. He was always down for a good time and had a way of turning ordinary moments into lasting memories.
A talented self-taught musician, Gerry was an exceptional bass guitarist and vocalist whose love for music ran deep. Whether performing, singing with friends, or simply enjoying a favorite song, music was one of the great joys of his life.
Gerry was also a lifelong sports fanatic. He proudly cheered for the San Francisco 49ers, Texas Rangers, and Los Angeles Lakers through every victory and defeat. His passion for the 49ers extended far beyond fandom. As Vice President of the 325 Niner Empire Chapter, he built lasting friendships and shared unforgettable memories with fellow members of the Faithful.
When he wasn't enjoying music or sports, Gerry could often be found on his Harley-Davidson, embracing the freedom of the open road. Whether riding with friends or setting out on a new adventure, motorcycles were another passion that brought him joy throughout his life. Above all else, Gerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His family was the center of his world and his greatest source of pride.
To his children, Gerry was more than a father— he was a source of support, laughter, encouragement, and unconditional love. His son, Andre, will forever cherish knowing that his father was always proud of him—not just during life’s milestones, but every day. His daughter, Leandra, treasures the countless games they watched together, the trips they shared, and the love of sports he passed down to her. His dedication to service also motivated her to follow in his footsteps to join the military. She was comforted by knowing he would always be there when she needed him. His daughter, Daphne, fondly remembered spending a summer with him in California when she was eleven years old, where he took her everywhere and created memories that would last a lifetime. As an adult, one of her greatest blessings was rekindling their relationship and having her dad back in her life.
Gerry is survived by his best friend of 37 years, Erma Hernandez; his children, Daphne Westbury and husband Brett, Leandra Hernandez, and Andre Hernandez and wife Hopee; his grandchildren, Cameron Anderson, Brandon Anderson, Brianna Westbury, Austyn Hernandez Stepp, Xavier Hernandez, and Kira Hernandez; his great-grandson, Julian Westbury Andrews; his brother, Rick Hernandez; his sister, Dina Hernandez, and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and more family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Teresa Hernandez; his sister, Dolly Hernandez Adkins; his brother-in-law, Brent Adkins; and his niece, Sara Mia Hill.
Though Gerry's presence will be deeply missed, his laughter will continue to echo in family gatherings, his music will continue to play in the hearts of those he inspired, and his memory will ride alongside those who loved him. His family finds comfort in knowing that the impact he made on the lives around him will endure for generations to come.
A Marine. A musician. A motorcyclist. A sports fanatic. A friend to all. A family man above everything else. Gerardo “Gerry” Hernandez will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Semper Fidelis.