Heriberto Irizarry Hernandez

Heriberto Irizarry Hernandez, SGM (retired), age 82, of San Antonio, passed away peacefully in the late afternoon hours of Friday, August 7, 2020 at Stone Oak Methodist Hospital in San Antonio.  Heriberto was born on June 10, 1938 in Lares, Puerto Rico to the late Jose’ Gregorio Irizarry and Amor Maria Hernandez.  Heriberto joined the United States Army as a young man trying to find his footing in life and began a career that would span 30 years, see many countries and continents and lead him and his family on adventures they could have never dreamed.  Heriberto retired from the United States Army after 30 decorated years of dedication to his beloved country.

Heriberto married Geraldine A. Bejarano on June 3, 1961 in Stockton, California.  Their lives together spanned 59 years, saw the births of three children, and provided enough memories to last a lifetime.

Heriberto was a proud and dedicated man.  He was proud to have served his country and believed in the rights bestowed upon all who call it home.  He was proud of his heritage – having always kept Puerto Rico in his heart and teaching his children about where he came from and what their roots were really like.  Most of all, Heriberto was dedicated to his beloved family and friends.  While his family was first and foremost in his life, those who were lucky enough to call him a friend also were treated as family.  They will always remember the way he would tease them to get a good laugh.

Heriberto enjoyed life and all it threw at him.  In his free time, he liked listening to music and fishing and he loved sharing with others.  He enjoyed doing crosswords and writing poetry.  Those who knew him best will always remember his stories – stories of his childhood and homeland and the embarrassing stories of his upbringing and the funny things in life that many of them would like to forget.  Heriberto had a personality, spirit and love that will remain in the hearts of those who loved him dearly.

Heriberto is survived by his wife, Geraldine A. Irizarry; children, Annette Margaret Cruz, and husband Arturo, and Joseph Arthur Irizarry, and wife Tracy, all of San Antonio; grandchildren, Tony Irizarry, Catherine Lopez de Castilla, Victoria Lopez de Castilla, and Sam Irizarry; step-grandchildren, Jose Enrique Cruz, and wife Rachel, and Daniel Arturo Cruz, and wife Mercedes; siblings, Jose Noel Irizarry, and wife Rose, of Austin, Lilia Valentin, and husband Tony, of Puerto Rico, and Lauro Irizarry, and wife Carmin, of New Hampshire; and by a host of other relatives and very special friends.

Heriberto was also preceded in death by one daughter, Theresa Marie Lopez de Castilla.

Funeral services for Heriberto Irizarry Hernandez will be held at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home with Pastor Richard Aguilar officiating.  Burial will follow with military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

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