Carmelo Hernandez

Carmelo Hernandez, age 87, of Fairborn, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, January 13, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Carmelo was born on September 2, 1933 in Camuy, Puerto Rico, the son of the late Pedro and Petra (Rojas) Hernandez. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Lydia (Sierra) Hernandez; daughters, Lydia Hernandez, Diana Kendrick, and Carmen Lowry; son, Carmelo Hernandez; 13 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members. Carmelo served and retired at the rank of Major from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service as a navigator. After retiring, he taught elementary school at Fairborn City Schools. In his free time, Carmelo was an avid gardener. He enjoyed fishing and was a worldwide traveler, visiting all seven continents. His last trip was to Antarctica at age 70. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Prairies Chapel, 6568 Chapel Lane, Dayton, Ohio 45431. The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Byron cemetery. Due to Covid-19, the family respectively asks all family and friends to kindly wear a mask and to practice social distancing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the WPAFB Catholic Community, please make check out to CTOF, Mail to Our Lady Queen of Peace, attention: Accounts Manager, 5030 Pearson Rd. Building 219, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, 45433.