Gregorio Elizondo Hernandez's Obituary
Mercedes- Gregorio Hernandez, 85, passed away on November 11, 2022, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen. Gregorio was born on September 4, 1937 to Eustacio and Agustina (Elizondo) Hernandez in San Nuevo Leon, Mexico. He moved to Weslaco with his family as a young boy.
In 1956, Gregorio enlisted in the United States Army as a PFC. His work ethic and dedication quickly earned him the rank of SGT. After being honorably discharged, Gregorio returned home and met his future wife, Emma Alicia Lazcano, at a church in Donna in 1960.
Gregorio and Emma were married on November 25, 1962, at the First Baptist Church in Weslaco. They prioritized God and church, and God blessed them with sixty years of marriage and three children. Gregorio and Emma raised their children in Mercedes and were faithful members of the First Baptist Church. Gregorio served as a deacon and choir director, and he and Emma volunteered at every opportunity.
Gregorio was a hard worker. First, he worked at Border Butane/Federal Petroleum for twenty years. Next, he worked for Weslaco ISD for five years and then South Texas ISD, where Gregorio retired after eighteen years as their maintenance supervisor.
Gregorio was an avid saltwater fisherman. He loved working in the yard and had a green thumb. Gregorio shared his love of gardening with others by giving them advice on best practices. Gregorio also enjoyed cooking and outdoor grilling, especially with his family and friends.
Gregorio is preceded in death by his grandparents, Andres and Petra Elizondo, parents, Eustacio and Agustina Hernandez, and siblings, Rolando and Geronimo Hernandez.
He is survived by his loving wife, Emma Alicia Hernandez; children, Rebecca Ann Calzada of Leander, Maria Alicia Hernandez of Mercedes, and Ricardo Andres Hernandez (Gina) of Weslaco. Also, surviving are siblings, Juan Hernandez (Elena) of Weslaco, Elva Rios (Roy) of Grand Prairie, Nestor Hernandez (Connie) of Denton, Fernando Hernandez (Orfa) of Weslaco, Eustolia Hernandez (Robert) of Edinburg, grandchildren, Amanda Isabel Steczkowski, Catherine Marie Lengefeld (Chandler), Andrew Rey Hernandez, Regina Nicole Hernandez, Benjamin Gregory Hernandez, great-grandchildren, Brantley Martin and Brylee Ann Steczkowski.
A celebration of life will be held on December 10th from 2-5 pm at McCaleb Funeral Home with full military honors.
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