Frank Joe Hernandez

Frank Joe Hernandez age 82, of Thornton Colorado passed away on Tuesday, June 20th 2023, in his home with family present, after months of battling cancer. Frank was born on December 7th, 1940, to John and Pauline Hernandez of Hillrose, Colorado.

He was the 3rd of 7 children, 4 sisters and 2 brothers. Frank grew up on the family farm and attended Hillrose High School where he participated in many activities and sports. He was part of 4H, student council, band, FFA and played baseball and football. He was nominated by the Denver Post & Rocky Mountain News and was an All-State Class C recipient, in football. He played guard in 8-man football, he was also offered a full ride scholarship at Colorado State University, he declined the offer. Instead, he continued with the family ranch while running an auto mechanic shop with his brother in-law in Hillrose.

In 1960, Frank met the love of his life Patricia Ann Lopez (Patti) at the Newman Club. This was a gathering place for young adult Catholics. After dating for several years, Frank married Patricia on November 9th, 1963, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Thornton, Colorado. They continued to live in Hillrose for a few years, until a year after the first of three children were born, (Shane, Vicki Jo and Duke) they relocated to Thornton Colorado in 1966. Frank continued to work as a mechanic until 1972 where he pursued his realtor license and this led to the ownership of his own company, Harvest Realty. Frank continued his real estate career for 43 years, selling homes and mentoring/managing many agents including his wife Patricia, sons Shane and Duke, and brother in laws, Alex and Dennis. Frank had a very strong faith and he continued to be an active member at Holy Cross Church, along with teaching and being a board member.

It was said that he was a hard worker & had a very patient soul. He had many hobbies from decorating cakes, making rosaries & blankets, nature art painting and drawing. He took pride in his family; he had 6 grandchildren that he held closest to his heart. He did several blessing cup ceremonies and officiated a wedding for his grandson. He loved the many hours of fishing on the lake with family and friends, just waiting to catch the best fish of the day.

He was survived by his wife of 60 years Patricia Hernandez, sons Shane Hernandez (Shirley) and Duke Hernandez (Ellene), 6 Grandchildren and 18 Great Grandchildren, Sisters Josephine (Stephen), Rosie, Lydia and brothers Johnny and Billy Hernandez. He is preceded in death by both parents John and Pauline Hernandez, daughter Vicki Jo Allyn Hernandez and sister Mary Demont.

“OUR LORD DOES NOT LOOK SO MUCH AT THE GREATNESS OF OUR ACTIONS BUT AT THE LOVE WHICH WE DO THEM” ST THERESA

A rosary for Frank will be held Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 9371 Wigham St, Thornton, CO 80229, Thornton, CO 80229. A funeral mass will occur Friday, July 7, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 9371 Wigham St,, Thornton, CO 80229. A committal service will occur Friday, July 7, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Olinger Highland Mortuary & Cemetery, 10201 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80229.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhighland.com for the Hernandez family.