SANBENITO/ WAUKEGAN, IL. - Mario Hernandez

53, has gone to be with our Lord on Monday May 5, 2008 surrounded by his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Jacinto and Romana Hernandez and brother, Reymundo Hernandez.

He is survived by brothers, Gregorio (Rosario) Hernan-dez, Juan A. "Tony" Hernandez, Jose L. Hernan-dez (Nelda), Ricardo Gomez (Janie), Roel Hernandez, Eduardo Hernandez (Aurora); and sisters, Irma Lopez, Rosalinda Claudio (Rene), Santa Tolento (Joe), all of San Benito; dear aunts and uncles 22 nieces and nephews; 19 great nieces and nephews; and dear family friend, Pola Briones.

He was born February 3, 1955 in San Benito and moved to Illinois at age 17, where he lived for 35 years. He was employed by Abbott Laboratus for many years as a patient assistant specialist advising patients on how to obtain costly medications.

He was very thankful to have had caring, supporting supervisors and coworkers in Anne Vujovic, Kristin Holly, Karen Brady, Miriam Johnson, Cathy Clark and Jill Costa. He deeply cared for and loved his dear friends Blanca Lozano, Angel and Inez Morales, Jesus and Gilda Perez, Keith Prible and Vicki Macier Bousson, June, and La Donna.

Mario enjoyed baking and cooking for family and friends. He especially liked new recipes for cakes, cookies, pastries and pies. He loved the color purple as it signified royalty and though he held no title he was royalty to his family. Everyone who knew him will remember his as a caring person always willing to lend a helping hand. "You may be the only person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person". He was loved by everyone who loved him. He touched the lives of so many people here and in Illinois. He will be deeply missed by his loving family.

Interment will be on Saturday May 10, 2008 at 10am at Mont Meta Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Arrangements are under the care of San Benito Funeral Home, 1400 West Hwy 77, San Benito, Texas 78586 (956) 361-9192.

Sign the guestbook at www.valleystar.com.