Joseph A. Hernandez, 74, beloved husband of Janet Hernandez (Miller) passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side on January 4, 2025, after his courageous 14-year fight with cancer. Proud father of Julie Hernandez (Andy) Tomlin, Joe (Erika) Hernandez, Jamie (Steven) Pritchard and Jennifer (Frank) Accardo. Loving Poppa of his own baseball team of 9;Andrew, Tori, Justin, Madison, Kaylen, Aubrey, Abbey, Wyatt Joseph, and Mason James. Son of the late Irene C. Hernandez and Joe Hernandez. Brother of the late Elda (Patrick) Anderson, William Hernandez, the late Irene M. Hernandez, the late Cynthia Kolski, Debra (Fernando) Romero, Diane (Arturo) Zendejas. Favorite uncle to his favorite nieces and nephews and lifelong friend of many.

Lovingly known as Dad, Hon, Popsy, Coach, Senior, Uncle Joe, Blue, Ref, Joey, Best Buddy, Buddy, Daddio, Big Daddy, Big Joe, Shamrock, Mr. H, Papa Hernan, Pard-na, and the name he was most proud of… Poppa.

Born in 1950, a proud Chicago native, Joe grew up in Logan Square with his six siblings. He lost his father in 8th grade and was raised by his loving Mother Irene, along with his older siblings.

He attended St. Sylvester grammar school and was a proud Shamrock alum of St. Patrick High School class of 1968, where he starred in their first musical, "Oliver" in the leading role.

Joe started college at Lewis University, ultimately receiving his degree in Business from Northeastern Illinois University.

He worked for Cook County, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and retired in 2012, after more than 20 years from the City of Chicago Departments of Procurement Services and Department of Planning and Development "Business Express".

He impacted the lives he touched through his work and social relationships. Not only was Joe the life of every party, he took to heart being a mentor to anyone who needed help, always there to lend his expertise or to listen to anyone who needed it.

His passion for sports remained a constant throughout his life. Adie-hard White Sox fan, his devotion was unbreakable and unbearable to those on the opposing team. Being able to witness Game 1 and watch the Sox win the World Series in 2005 was a highlight of his life.

Joe worked as an IHSA referee and umpire for over 40 years for basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball for many grammar schools, high schools, and park districts all over the Chicagoland area.

One of his greatest moments of glory was when he managed his semi-pro baseball team, the Chicago Giants, to the City Championship in 1977. Coaching was a passion of his for over 60 years which included all ages and coached his granddaughter Aubrey's t-ball team this past Spring.

His love of golf was very well known by many, taking trips to Myrtle Beach and enjoying rounds with his friends and family whenever he could.

Long time member of St. William Parish for 38 years, he wasactively involved in Clowning at the Corners, Sister Shirley Folk Group, and served as an athletic coach & Cub Scout leader, where long lasting friendships were made.

His largest love of all was his high school sweetheart and Wife of over 55 years, Janet.  They met at a 1967 Summer TheaterWorkshop at St Patrick High School, where they fell in love, got married, and started a family.  His proudest accomplishments were his Core Four, his "Outlaws", and grandkids.

As Joe started his battle with Renal Cell Carcinoma in 2010, Jan never relented taking care of Joe around the clock. Joe and everyone around him knows she is truly a saint and their love will live on forever.

Visitation at Cooney Funeral Home, 625 Busse Hwy., Park  Ridge, IL on Wednesday from 3 to 8 p.m.   Funeral Thursday  at Mary Seat of Wisdom Church for a 10:30 a.m. mass. For info Cooney Funeral Home 847-685-1002 - www.cooneyfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of his name to the Irene C. Hernandez Foundation at https://www. irenechernandezfoundation.org / or to St. Patrick High School https://www. stpatrick.org/giving/