Our beloved father, Tata, and great-grandfather Alfonso P. Hernandez, 97, of King City joined his loving wife Ruth and our Lord in Heaven on Wednesday, March 28, 2018.
He was born March 10, 1921 in Somerton, Arizona, and was the 5th of 6 children born to Jacobo and Felicitas Hernandez.
He met the love of his life, Ruth, while she was working for Jimmie Lynn as a grocery store clerk in King City, and he was working as a carpenter along with his father and brothers at the Mee Ranch. They were married in 1946 at St. John’s Catholic Church and were married for 67 years. Together they raised 5 children; Ruth Anne, Anthony, Paul, Mark and Carole. He worked as a carpenter for many years throughout the Salinas Valley, most notably with Austin Hayes & Son Construction, which later became known as Dan Hayes Builders. He enjoyed retirement, but it was hard to tell as he continued to do numerous jobs for his family, friends, and the church. He was a proud member of the Carpenters’ Union for 65 years and was recently honored for that accomplishment.
A devout Catholic, he served St. John’s Church and Parish as a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3815. He was directly involved in the construction of many buildings that still exist on the church grounds today. He never said no when priests called him to build or repair whatever was needed.
His family was his life. He always gave advice, which often felt like orders. He never failed to diagnose any illness and prescribed either “Ben Gay” or iodine to fix whatever was ailing someone. He was easily recognized while driving around town in his old yellow Ford truck. He was a talented bowler, home improvement enthusiast, and avid fan of the San Francisco Giants, 49ers, and Warriors. He could always be counted on to yell instructions to the players while watching the games on TV. Though stubborn and set in his ways, he was a blessing who meant the world to his family.
He is survived by his loving family; daughters, Ruth Anne Sonniksen and Carole (Richard) Arredondo; sons, Anthony (Katie) Hernandez, Paul (Annette) Hernandez, and Mark (Pam) Hernandez; grandchildren, Brian (Rebecca) Sonniksen, Melissa (Jason) Armer, Jacob (Alicia) Hernandez, Steven (Maricela) Arredondo, Timothy (Megan) Hernandez, Daniel (Chinnaill) Hernandez, Stephanie Hernandez, Alex (Jeanette) Arredondo, Jason Hernandez, Sara Hernandez, and Michael Hernandez; great-grandchildren, Tagen, William, Nathaniel, Sienna, Marcos, Margo, Eleanor, Theo, and Eric; and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
A public viewing will take place on Thursday, April 5th from 5 to 7pm at St. John’s Church followed by a recitation of the rosary (7pm). Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. John’s Church at 10am on Friday, April 6th, 2018, followed by burial at the King City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St John the Baptist Catholic Church, the King City Knights of Columbus Council 3815, or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements were entrusted to Eddington Funeral Services, 429 Bassett St., King City, (831) 385-5400, www.EFS-Cares.com
