Ceralio R. Hernandez, 80, known to friends and family as Carlos, of Tewksbury, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Melrose Wakefield Hospital in Melrose, surrounded by his loving family, following a lengthy battle with kidney disease.
Born on March 11, 1946, in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, Carlos was the son of the late Sergio Hernandez and the late Carmen (Enriquez Padron) Hernandez. He grew up in Cuba, where he spent a joyful childhood riding horses and sharing treasured time with his grandmother.
As a young man, Carlos made the courageous journey from Cuba that would shape the rest of his life. He spent six months in Jamaica, working alongside fellow Cubans saving money for his upcoming journey to United States. He was then transported to a freedom house aboard a military plane and, when asked where he wished to settle, he chose New England. He was brought to Brookline, made his home in Kenmore Square, quickly gathered his first set of winter clothes, and went to work at Great Dane Coat Factory. He arrived in the United States at the age of 18, and Massachusetts became his home.
It was after a long day of work that Carlos's life changed forever. He met a young woman named Vickie, and he asked her to dance. That first dance became a lifetime. He and Vickie (Norton) Hernandez were married on August 2, 1969, and shared nearly 27 years of marriage before her passing on June 22, 1996.
Carlos worked hard to build a life for his family. He worked in local factories and later spent several years as a cook at the Algonquin Club in Boston. He went on to work as a machinist in camera manufacturing at Polaroid, where he became a beloved figure. Many of his family members and friends worked alongside him there for 25 years.
In his younger years, Carlos loved to golf and stayed very active. As time went on, his pleasures became quieter but no less deep. He could often be found sitting outside, whistling along with the birds and taking in the beauty of the natural world. He watched the Nature Channel with great enjoyment and was a devoted fan of all the Boston sports teams, always finding a game to watch.
Carlos had a profound love for animals, and animals loved him in return. His Dachshund, Sassy, was his faithful companion for many years, often perched right on his shoulder. Later, his granddog Bailey became a cherished part of his daily routine, and the two could often be found heading out together for a coffee and a drive. Ruger, the current family dog, was at his side bringing him comfort when he passed.
Carlos was the life of any gathering. He loved attending parties and get-togethers with friends and family. He was always impeccably dressed, known for his sharp sense of style, his love of a fine fedora, and the pleasure he took in a good Cuban cigar and glass of Crown Royal. He was a man who knew how to enjoy life and carry himself with flair.
Carlos is survived by his four beloved children, Carmen Hernandez, Kristina Hernandez, Keith Hernandez, and Katie Hernandez, all of Tewksbury; his brother, Sergio Hernandez of Cuba; his cherished niece, Hisamara Esponda of Florida, and her children, Alexa Velazquez and Angeline Velazquez; and many other beloved nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Maria Del Carmen Hernandez, the late Feliberto Hernandez, the late Luis Hernandez, and the late Maria Elena Hernandez.
Please use the online guestbook or comments below to share a memory of Carlos. His family looks forward to reading them.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876. Burial will be held privately at Tewksbury Cemetery, 172 East Street, Tewksbury.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Tewksbury Funeral Home. For additional information or to offer an online condolence, please visit www.tewksburyfuneralhome.com.