It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of “Papi” César Hernández, who left us on August 14th, 2024, surrounded by his family.

César was born on October 31, 1953 to Reyes and Guadalupe Hernández in Toledo Ohio. César was a Central Catholic High School Graduate who went on to Pan American University after high school, only to return to his roots. César received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo and a master’s degree in counseling from Eastern Michigan. César was a great man of immense humor, wisdom, and strong family values.

César had a contagious laugh that would light up any room. César cherished and adored his three children and loved to spend every moment with Maya, Diego, and Marcela. You would often hear him refer to them as “Mijita or Mijito.”

His passion and love were his children first. He was immensely proud of his culture and heritage and loved to share it with everyone. You would often hear him having conversations with his mother, “mama Lupita” and Rebecca and the kids in Spanish as the kids were growing up. He was excited that they too wanted to continue this part of their heritage as they became older. Second was his love for art and music. He loved sharing that love with anyone who would listen. He was a person who would want to get to know a person, always wanting that person to know that they were important and heard. César was a gentle soul, the kindest man who ever lived, he made friends and helped people wherever life took him. César seemed to have found the secret to unending optimism and generously spread joy and in all the lives of everyone who knew him. His unwavering spirit will be forever remembered. He and Rebecca instilled in their children the importance of being the best person you could be and living life to the fullest.

César loved to travel with his children everywhere. Anytime César would go on any trip, you were often blessed to see three smiling faces with him, but the biggest smile had was by César. One of his many pleasures and joy was taking the kids every summer on trips to visit great friends in East Jordan. He also loved basketball, playing, and watching with the kids. They would often refer to “March Madness” as their special holiday. Many evenings and weekends were spent watching and enjoying this sport either at home or in different places. They loved planning their many trips around this time of year.

In 2004, César was honored to be given the Diamante Award aimed at community improvement, as he was involved with enrollment and advising for international students at Ownes Community College. César was respected by his colleagues for his leadership and skills, his ability to inspire others and help them see their potential. He made positive impacts on all the lives he touched, he mentored many individuals, helping them achieve their goals and to reach their full potential. His dedication to his work and commitment to excellence set him apart as a true leader in his field.

César was preceded in death by his father Reyes Hernández and brother Oscar Hernández. His memory will be forever held in the hearts of his surviving family: Mother Guadalupe Hernández, “Lupita” or Mama Lupita.” His children: Maya Olivia, Diego Joaquin Reyes, Marcela Pilar. Siblings: Gaspar (Sylvia) Hernández, Mary Antoinette Lang, Eduardo Hernández and many close friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

César‘s legacy will live on in the hearts of all those who knew him. His life was a testament to the impact one person can have on their community and the world. The impact of his life will be felt for years to come. Rest in peace César, your memory will forever be a source of inspiration and Joy to all who knew you.

A funeral mass will be at Gesu Church on September 7th at 1 pm. A celebration of life service will be afterwards at 8505 S. River Road, Grand Rapids, Ohio

You were my Papi first, but then became my greatest friend, my October friend. I thought you hung the moon; You felt like fiction to me. Hours talking & late nights in our “jungle.” Dancing, singing, laughing, and playing, always in our own world. You always protected me and then came a time where I protected you, always there for each other. I will always be chasing your hat in Oaxaca. Our story will forever exist, just no longer continue “eye” love you por siempre. Papi always said I am his Corazón, Diego his Vida, Marcela his Alma. – Maya

My man!! The person I wanted to be when I was growing up. You were so chilly chill. Suave. I’ll never be as cool as you, but I hope I come close. The best thing that Papi ever sent my way was the love that he showed to us, every single day. “To know you was to witness a living mosaic of love, passion, and depth” Te Amo Mucho Papi! I will miss you every day – Diego.

Te Amo Mucho Papi, con todo mi amor!! You are a foundational thread in the tapestry of our life, a thread that won’t break or fade. You are indescribable. I will miss you for a lifetime. Thank you for teaching me the joy and beauty of life. When I talk about love I will talk about you. A love supreme – Marcela.

Invisible wounds are the hardest to heal for their closure depends upon the love of others, on patience, understanding and the tender gift of time- Amor Y Paz – César Hernández