Glens Falls – Charles J. Hernandez Sr., of Glens Falls, passed away Saturday, May 4, 2013, at Glens Falls Hospital, with his wife of 67 years, Margie, by his side and surrounded by the family that he loved more than anything.
Charles was the son of the late Carmelo and Rose (Torres) Hernandez, born on February 26, 1929.
He and Margie (Diaz) were both from Manhattan. In 1946, they married and soon after they moved upstate to raise their family.
Charles retired from Great Meadow Correctional Facility after twenty years as a roofer and tinsmith. Prior to that he had worked at DeLong’s Dairy, formerly in Glens Falls. He was also a well known master roofer, repairing and replacing many slate and shingle roofs in the Glens Falls area. He learned his craft from his mentor, Frances “Uncle Hap” Prunier. Charles in turn, passed his knowledge and incredible work ethic on to his children, children in law and his grandchildren He also shared his love of the North Country and hunting and fishing. He and Margie enjoyed camping in the Adirondacks for many years.
He and Margie loved music, especially country and western, Latin music and guitar music. They were great dancers and more than kept up with the younger generation on the dance floor, well into their seventies.
Charles was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Glens Falls. He served as the custodian there for several years after his retirement. An inveterate tinkerer, he could fix anything as long as he had duct tape and a tube of silicone.
Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by two sisters; Mary Hernandez and Helen Lorello, and a brother Frank Hernandez.
Survivors include his wife Margie; his children, Margo (Roger) Guglielmo, Joyce (James) Flower, Charlene (Gary) Endal , Charles “Sonny” (Beth) Hernandez, Jr. , Frank (Amneris) Hernandez, Mary (James) O’Marra, Elizabeth Hernandez (Ken Thompson), Linda Leah (JayLee) Thompson; Joseph (Vicky) Hernandez; a close nephew, Frank “Poncho” Coleman; a sister, Anita (Frank) Coleman a brother, Ralph (Philomena)Hernandez.
More than anything else, Charles treasured and doted on children and was enormously proud of His family. He is also survived by 24 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. His family is located around New England to Florida to California to Alberta Canada and uncountable points in between. Each of us received his love and pride equally and he left a wonderful legacy for us all.
Friends may call on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St. in Hudson Falls.
Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 543 Glen Street in Glens Falls.
Interment will take place at St. Alphonsus Cemetery in the town of Queensbury.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of the ICU Unit and tower 5, at the Glens Falls Hospital for all their care and compassion.
Charles family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, 505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 902, New York, NY 10018
I knew Charlie well and had many great times hunting with him. One favorite stroy of my memory was when I overslept and came down to the guys eating charlies famous pancakes. He asked if I wanted some and began cooking them with everyone else eating. Unknown to Charlie a mouse had suffered an apparent heart attcak in the batter jug no doubt lured there by the irresistable smell. When the mouse hit the skillet and everyone else saw what they were eating….. well lets just say it was glad to be late that morning. He was a great man and will be missed.
I know your suffering as I just buried my Mother Saturday May 4th. Mary and I were childhood friends into our young teens, I remember Mr. Hernandez was always joking and smiling with us kids when I was in there home.. May he rest in peace and I send my sincere condolences to the whole family.
Joyce and family,
I was saddened to hear of your father’s passing. As I read his beautiful obituary I could just sense the love and admiration that you all had for him. In addition, he actually looked very familiar (now wouldn’t that be ironic after knowing you all these years!!!) My thoughts went to two things, one did he know my father “Knobby” (Henry Knoblauch) from Knobby’s records or did I actually work with him at Delong’s Dairy, for that was were I was employed for the very first time in my life.
All I know is I can see that you were all blessed to have him in your life and I hope that at this time your memories and family can bring you comfort.
I am unable to attend the ceremony, due to being out of town that evening, but you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Take care my dear friend and I will see you soon. If there is anything I can do for you, please just reach out.
God bless you and your family.
Leesa
My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Sorry I am not in New York to pay my condolences. God bless your family and cherish all the wonderful memories you have.
Tina (Morgan) Cook
Dear Joyce & family,
So sorry to hear of your loss….our thoughts & prayers are with you!
Sincerely, Judy
Dear Joyce & family,
So sorry to hear of your loss..our thoughts & prayers are with you!
Sincerely, Judy
My condolences to Charlie’s family.
I had the pleasure of working with him at Peter Brilling’s Friendly Mobil Service Station at 517 Glen Street for a few years back in the mid 1950s.
He was a great guy and a hard worker and loved his family.
May he rest in peace.
Dick Leland
Dear Family,
Since I don’t get the paper anymore, I just found Charlie’s Obituary on this site, while searching for another. He and I worked together at Great Meadow for many years. He was such a serious, but fun man to be around. I had a candy dish on my desk for the guys in maintenance, and he was one of my best customers! I thought the world of him, and I am deeply saddened to read of his passing. I knew the whole family. Margie worked with my mom at the hospital, and all of the girls were in school with me, either just ahead or a year or two behind me. I’m so sorry for your huge loss. Words cannot express what you feel at this time. They all seem so empty. I just want you to know what a good man Charlie was, and always a gentleman. It was such a pleasure to work with him, and I know from talking with him over the years how very much he loved you Margie and that huge family you had together. His stories about some of the things the girls did when they were growing up were so funny! He was a one of a kind guy, for sure, and had a heart as big as all outdoors. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. May God comfort all of you at this sad time, and bring peace to your heart and home. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Toni (Pinto) Rawson