Obituary of Robert Hernandez, Jr

Robert Hernandez, Jr was born on June 23, 1977 on Camp LeJeune Marine Corps base in Onslow County, Jacksonville, North Carolina to his parents Robert Hernandez, Sr. & Susan Salazar. They soon moved to Anaheim, Orange County, California where he spent his early years. Robert loved football and baseball as a small child and he instantly was a die hard fan of the Anaheim Angels and Dallas Cowboys, even when they were losing.

Robert, or Bobby as the family called him, did not have an easy life beginning early in his childhood. He and his siblings had many family members step in to care for them, becoming very close to his Cousins, Aunts & Uncles. Robert made friends everywhere he went.

After meeting his soulmate, best friend and love of his life Mia, they moved to Arizona in 2002 and they married on March 24, 2006. Robert left a life of substance abuse and became a committed member of his community. He was baptized as a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he was a beloved Little League Baseball coach for Verde Valley and Camp Verde for over 10 years. He loved baseball and coaching was a way for him to be a mentor to the children he came across.

Everyone that met Robert instantly loved him. His smile and laughter lit up a room. Robert loved hard and if you were good to him and his family, he was good to you. Robert's goal in life was to be a good Dad and husband but so many circumstances kept him from being involved in many of his children's lives. He became a Dad to his kids' friends, his nephew and anyone else that needed him, and his world became whole when he welcomed his Grandchildren into this world and became their Tata. He was also adored by his many nieces and nephews and he was the best Tito they could ask for.

Robert lost his sister Frankie to cancer four years ago and his health quickly began to decline soon after. He fought to feel well and his life was tethered by being unwell but he would never pass up an opportunity to take a ride on his Harley with his Dad, Big Bobby. He said that riding was the closest he felt to his sister, Frankie and he would have conversations with her in Heaven during his rides.

Robert is survived by both parents, his heartbroken wife, Mia, and sisters Monica, Stephani, Lyla and Katrina Hernandez, and Liana De la Cruz. He leaves behind his biological and adopted children Brianna, Roman, Jasmine, Jaden, Bernadette, Daniel, Dezziree, Celezzte, Vincent, Isaiah, Manuel, Piper, Taylor, and Madalyn.

His grandchildren Emilia, Eisaak, Ella, Elias, Ezekial, Nevaeh, Sophia, Jaymiah, Leilani, Addie & Lovaha, Ava, Kahlina, and Jackson will miss him dearly.

Robert passed quietly in his sleep on the early morning of August 27, 2021, in his Camp Verde, AZ home. Our hearts are shattered at the loss of a wonderful man but we are so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the promise of Eternal families and we know we will be reunited with him in Heaven.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, September 24, 2021, at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 360 S. 5th St., Camp Verde, Arizona, 86322.

"The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life." - President Russell M. Nelson