Guadalupe "Pinky" R. Hernandez

WESLACO - Guadalupe "Pinky" R. Hernandez, 73, passed away on Monday, October 2nd in Weslaco. Pinky was born in Weslaco on October 13, 1943 to Federico and Soledad Hernandez, a pioneer migrant family, He learned a strong work ethic at a young age. His mom and dad led by example. Pinky, along with his brothers and sisters, worked in the fields most of their life, migrating to several different states, including California and New York, each year. He attended St Joan Catholic School and graduated from Weslaco High. After graduation, Pinky migrated to California to work in the rice fields so that he could pay for his education. He earned a degree from the Pan American University and was drafted to the US Army as soon as he was done. Pinky was very proud to serve his country. He spent most of his service in Germany as a missile specialist during the Vietnam War. While on leave, he met his soulmate, Mary De la Garza at a local dance. They were soon married. When Pinky had finished his service in the Army, he returned to Weslaco, where he and Mary would enjoy fifty years of marriage and raised their two daughters, Sandra and Lydia. While supporting his family as a teacher, Pinky went back to school and earned his Master's degree. He was a respected educator and counselor for more than thirty years with the PSJA school district, until his retirement. After retirement, he and Mary were able to enjoy each other as well as spend more time with his daughters, sisters, and grandchildren. Pinky was also very strong in his Catholic faith and he and Mary kept made sure that the girls were taught the values they would need to be successful, responsible adults. Pinky is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Paula Gonzalez, Esmeralda Hernandez, and Nievea R Hernandez, and Christella Mendoza, his brothers Pantaleon Hernandez, Benito Hernandez, and very special nephew, J.J. Hernandez. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Mary Hernandez, his daughters, Sandra Hernandez (Joseph), of Plano, TX, Lydia Hernandez (Orlando) of Weslaco, sisters, Navia Hernandez of Weslaco, Maria Hernandez of Weslaco, Lupita H. Ramirez (Daniel) of Bay City, Texas, his sister in law, Herlinda Hernandez of Houston, 5 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces. Pinky will always be remembered as a driven man with a strong work ethic and a sincere faith, a leader and a mentor to everyone who came into his path. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 4th, from 3-9pm, with rosary at 7pm at McCaleb Funeral Home Chapel. Mass will be celebrated at St. Joan of Arc on Thursday at 10am with burial to follow at Highland Memorial Park. Family & friends will serve as pallbearers. Funeral arrangements are under the care of McCaleb Funeral Home of Weslaco.