Blas Palma "Joe" Hernandez

Blas Palma "Joe" Hernandez, LT

Ret USN, 89 years old of Albuquerque, NM passed away Saturday, January 5,

2019 at home in the arms of his loved ones. Joe was born in Los Angeles, CA in

1929 and graduated from Hollywood High in 1947. He joined the Navy in 1950 during the Korean conflict, and was a Torpedo Officer in 1967 aboard the carrier USS Frontier (AD 25). Joe served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. He served proudly in the United States Navy for 24 years retiring in 1974 and relocating his family from Charleston, SC to Albuquerque, NM. He was a real estate broker for many years. He had a vibrant passion for music and performed at the VA Hospital for patients and families with a musical group "Los Ultimos." He was a generous and gregarious soul, entertaining us at family gatherings. He had many hobbies including breeding birds, collecting seashells, looking for garage sale treasures, and was an avid movie goer.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rosalia Gomez Hernandez; daughters, Anna Fontanez and Gloria Alfero; and son-in-law Israel Fontanez. He was a proud grandfather to Jason Garduno, Michelle Fontanez, John Fontanez, Angelina Garduno, Joseph Fontanez and Madeline Alfero, all from NM. He leaves behind his youngest sister Anita King, CA and many other loved ones. He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel Jose Hernandez, FL and granddaughter Angela Fontanez, NM.

A memorial Mass will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Frances of Assisi, 131 Cathedral Place, Santa Fe, NM on January 24, 2019 at 10 am. Interment will take place at 12:45 pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with full military honors.

Messages of condolence can be sent to: afont54@yahoo.com