ROLAND A. “CHICO” HERNANDEZ

1925-2017

Roland A “Chico” Hernandez, 91, died peacefully Wednesday evening, August 16, surrounded by his children. Roland was born and raised in Houston, TX on December 11, 1925. After serving his country in the Navy during WWII, he returned to Houston where he met his loving wife of 63 years, Donnarita Burke. Roland is survived by his children Miriam Norton (Billy), Deedee Hernandez (Ed Foerster), Roland “Bucky” Hernandez (Lydia), June Adams, Patrick Hernandez (Tom Crow), Terence Hernandez (Janie), Maurelda Elliott (Ross), Matthew Hernandez (Rebeca), and “other” children. He leaves behind 18 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is survived by his sister, Ida Szydlik, his sister in law, Sharon Van Fleet, and brother in law, Michael Burke (Carolyn). Roland is predeceased in death by his beloved wife Donna, daughter Cristina, grandson Jacob, brothers Faustino and Edmund Hernandez, and sisters Adela Hernandez and Vida Montejano. In 1964 Roland joined the Otto Office Supply Company. He built the Sales force, and served as Vice President and was a major force in helping the company become a million + dollar business. He retired from the company in 1985 after it was sold. In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling, cooking, and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. As a devout Catholic, Roland was a founding parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and served selflessly there throughout the years in various capacities, including Eucharistic minister and altar server. He was a long-time member of the Mt Carmel Men’s Club and the Knights of Columbus Council #4577. The family would especially like to thank his caregivers, Lillian Rojas and Maria Galvis, who gave him such loving care and support prior to his death.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 25th, from 6–8pm with a Rosary at 7pm at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 26th also at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 6723 Reed Rd, Houston, TX 77087. A Celebration of Life will be held after the service at the Knights of Columbus Hall #4577 at 6320 Madden Rd, Houston, TX 77048.