Manuel Jesus Ferrer Hernando was born in the Philippines on June 20, 1952 to Marcos V. Hernando and Dolores Buan Ferrer. He had two older brothers: Virgilio and Oliver and five half-siblings: Herminio, Norma, Rebecca, Cesar and Mario. He led an active childhood fishing in rivers, playing basketball and reading comics and books – his favorite comic strip was Dennis the Menace. Manuel attended Catholic schools until high school. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1971 and upon completion of boot camp, was assigned to the San Diego – based ship USS Thomaston which supported the war effort in Vietnam. During his many visits to the Philippines, he became reacquainted with his high school classmate – Vivien T. Liwanag.
Manuel and Vivien fell in love and married on December 23, 1973. It wasn’t long before the young couple started a family. Joy was born in August 1974 closely followed by Dennis in July 1975. When Manuel received new orders, the young couple left the comfort and support of family and moved to New Orleans with a one year old Joy, and a four month old Dennis in tow. Two years later, the young family was relocated again to Sardinia, Italy. In May 1980, the Hernando's were relocated for the last time to San Diego, California.
After separating from the US Navy, Manuel began working for the US Post Service. As a rookie, he worked the neighborhoods off Washington Street. As his seniority grew, he was able to bid for neighborhoods closer to home. His last route delivered mail to his own house where he would break for lunch and to use the bathroom. Many of Manuel’s coworkers in the USPS became life-long friends. He retired from the US Postal Service in 2008.
Manuel spent the early years of his retirement caring for his wife, Vivien, until her death in January 2011. The year would end on a positive note when Vivien A. Hernando and Alira Vivien Hernando-Clemens† were born. Amelia A. Hernando and Regina A. Hernando completed Manuel’s list of grandchildren – his angels. Manuel’s granddaughters affectionately referred to him as “Pappy.”
Manuel Jesus Ferrer Hernando passed away in his home on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. He will be interred at the Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 11:30am.
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