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Joe Hernandez, Jr. January 23, 1948 – August 17, 2022 Joe “Joey” Hernandez, Jr. was born on January 23, 1948, to Joe H. Hernandez, Sr. and Baudelia Amanda Alvarez Hernandez in Corpus Christi, Texas. His family moved to California when he was 11 years old. Joe was the eldest with three younger siblings Candy Hernandez Spaulding, Debbie Hernandez, and Ray Hernandez. After graduating from Newark High School in 1966 he studied Business Administration/Marketing at California State University East Bay. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1978. Joe was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968 and served during the Vietnam War. He was combat wounded and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Joe worked as a property tax appraiser in Oakland, California at Alameda County Assessor from 1975-2009. After retiring in 2009, he moved to San Antonio, Texas. During his retirement, Joe served as an officer with the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 1836. He developed a strong bond with other members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He also volunteered with the Wounded Warrior Project. Joe also served as president of the Angel of Goliad Society as a descendant. Joe was a selfless person who enjoyed serving others. Joe’s favorite pastimes were researching family history and assisting other veterans in navigating the VA system. He loved road trips, shopping at estate sales, playing poker and watching his favorite TV shows. His joy was spending time with his grandchildren and was known to them as “Papa Joe.” Joe also loved to entertain family and friends which were too numerous to count. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Amanda, and his sister Candy Hernandez Spaulding. Our little “angels” his grandson Max Amador and granddaughter Alice Mary Amador were there to greet him when he arrived in heaven. Joe is survived by his wife of almost 8 years and partner of 24 years Dolores Amador-Hernandez. He is also survived by his sister Debbie Hernandez and brother Ray Hernandez. He was a stepfather of Dolores’ three adult children Phillip Amador, Jr., Laura Amador Esparza and Stephen (Erin) Amador. As we welcomed grandchildren he became” Papa Joey” and fit into the part of grandfather easily to Maya Grace Amador, Teresa Ann Esparza, Oscar Antonio Esparza, Anisten Lorin Amador and Alister Rose Amador. Joey also had numerous family members and friends in California, San Antonio, Goliad, Kingsville and Corpus Christi, Texas who also mourn his passing. Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 9:00 pm on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, with a rosary at 7:00 pm at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with a procession to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery for interment. A reception will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church immediately following the interment.

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Joe Hernandez, Jr.

January 23, 1948 - August 17, 2022