Leonardo J Hernandez

Leonardo Hernandez, affectionately known to his friends as Lenny or Leo, passed away peacefully at his home in Passaic, New Jersey on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at the age of 74. Leonardo was born on January 31, 1949, in Cienfuegos, Cuba to Josefa and Ismael Hernandez.

When Leonardo was 13 years old, he and his younger sister Maria arrived in the United States as refugees through Operation Peter Pan. They were later joined by their mother and brothers, establishing their family home in Passaic. Leonardo was previously married to Ada Fernandez, and they had two children, William and Janelle.

For many years Leonardo worked at Sevilla Restaurant in Passaic before transitioning to Passaic City Schools. When he was younger, Leonardo enjoyed dancing, and throughout life had a genuine love for conversation, humor, and friendship. Later in life, he continued to cherish his many friendships, often crossing paths with familiar faces around town – particularly during his visits to the nearby Quick Check, or as he called it “the office.” Leonardo was also a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Passaic.

Leonardo is survived by his sister Maria, his children, William and Janelle, his ex-wife Ada, and an extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. His brothers, Ismael, Jose, and Jorge predeceased him.

Facing serious medical challenges in recent years, Leonardo remained courageously upbeat, always meeting life’s difficulties with a smile. His sense of humor and positive outlook remained undiminished, epitomized by one of his last shared sentiments: “I know that God is with me because I’ve always had people with me that were good to me.”

Leonardo’s wake will be held at Funeraria Alvarez, at 66 Passaic Avenue, Passaic, on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The viewing will continue Thursday, September 7, 2023, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at St. John Kanty Church, at 49 Speer Avenue in Clifton. Leonardo will be entombed at East Ridgelawn Cemetery, at 255 Main Avenue, Passaic.