Ernesto “ET” Hernandez

Ernesto Torres “ET” Hernandez passed away peacefully on January 18, 2021, at home, just as he lived his life, surrounded by his children and family who loved him dearly. ET was born on December 7, 1926, to Refugio Hernandez and Ramona Torres. He was married to his beloved, late wife Concepcion “Connie” Hernandez for 62 years with whom he had five children; Tina Gamboa, Steven Hernandez, Terri Kaye, Mona Hernandez-Vega and Ricardo Hernandez.

ET loved life and made the most of his. He was known throughout his life for taking risks, taking care of others, and taking on new interests. On his own at a young age, he volunteered for Civil Defense when he was still a minor. He was honorably discharged from the US Army, after basic training, when it was discovered that he was only 15 years old and too young for the military. Later, he joined the US Navy and served in World War II, followed by service in the Air National Guard. He was then transferred to Active Service into the US Air Force to serve in the Korean War.

As a civilian, ET worked in road construction and held successive positions beginning as a laborer then into an operating engineer superintendent, which laid the foundation for his future asphalt paving company that he owned and operated with two of his children: Black Gold. Following his ownership of the Black Gold Paving, ET became an appointed Arizona Constable to fill a vacancy. ET went on to serve three terms, spanning 12 years, as an elected Constable and 3 terms on the Democratic Legislative District 22 Chairman.

Limited to an 8th grade education due to challenging life circumstances, ET highly values the power of an education. Throughout his life, he served the community, he was involved with the Phoenix Union and Isaac School District for 33 years. He was co-founder of the P.T Coe Athletic Club, president of Carl Hayden Booster club, member of the Knights of Columbus and member of Los Dorados de Cristo. He was recognized as “Citizen of the Year” by Phoenix Union High School District for his service to the community and entered into the District Hall of Fame by Carl Hayden High School.

Later in life, ET discovered a love of acting and writing; he earned roles in five movies, one TV show, and three plays. His two poems “The Small Man’s Dream” and “My little Girl” were entered into the International Library of Poetry and published in the National Book of Poetry.

ET’s love of life and of people enabled him to set a beautiful example for his abundant family. In addition to his five children, he and Connie had 23 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren. His grandchildren and great grandchildren describe him in the following words: wise, genuine, charming, mischievous, funny, loving, inimitable and honorable.

He was regarded by those who knew and loved him as a truly remarkable man with a big heart and generous spirit, he leaves a legacy of love, compassion and commitment to the best of the human spirit; he will be greatly missed.

“I profess to be the happiest man in the world. I love people, and I have been blessed. I do not see people with my eyes, I see them with my heart.” – ET Hernandez

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of ET Hernandez.