Juan "John" Hernandez

December 27, 1930 – February 18, 2022

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Juan “John” González Hernández on February 18, 2022 at age 91. He was a bright spark in this world and will be deeply missed by many.

Husband, father, son, friend, businessman, teacher, community activist, entrepreneur, newspaper editor, writer/author, mentor - titles that only scratch the surface of the legacy John leaves behind.

John was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico; but his family moved to Manhattan, New York, when John was 6 for his school years. He settled in the city of Deltona which was home until his passing.

He moved permanently to Deltona in 1977 from New York, while serving as a real estate agent for the Mackle Brothers since 1966, with his son John Douglas. In Deltona John was very well known. Some of his closest friends even referred to him as “Mr. Deltona.” His love and passion for Deltona prompted him to write a book about its history.

All who loved John knew this about him: he was the kindest, gentlest man you could ever hope to meet. Beyond that signature characteristic, he was fair, open-minded, inclusive, honest, ethical, trustworthy and hard-working.

He’s survived by his devoted wife of 30 years Gladys Merced-Hernández, son John Douglas, younger sister Lydia H. Bell, and older sister Ramona “Nina” Sessa. He’s also survived by his nephews John James Hunter, Dwayne Zandman, Louis Sessa, niece Lucille Baumann, and numerous great nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death was his father, Juan Hernández; and his mother, Cruz González.

A service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 11:00am at Deltona Memorial Funeral Home and Garden in Orange City, Florida. Visitation preceding from 9:00am-11:00am. Placement of his ashes, and a graveside committal, will take place at 12:00pm. All are invited to join in this celebration of John’s life.