Fernando Herrera

Fernando Herrera of Jackson Heights, NY passed away peacefully on Saturday October 23, 2021 after several months of declining health  His passing was as peaceful as which he lived his life, He was 88 years old, having just celebrated his birthday 2 weeks earlier.
Fernando was born on October 11, 1933 in Cali, Colombia to Sabas and Betzabeth Herrera.  The sixth of seven children, Fernando lost his mother at the age of five, and was predeceased by 4 of his siblings before reaching adulthood. Raised by his single father, Fernando and his two remaining siblings, Gabriel and Beatriz learned to be self- sufficient from an early age.  Fernando worked as a school teacher in Colombia, before immigrating to United States in 1963. His strong work ethic and love for higher learning earned him a Bachelors degree in Biology from Hunter College in 1981, which he achieved while working a full-time job and raising a family.
Fernando married his wife Amanda, whom he had known since childhood, in 1967. Marriage to his wife Amanda allowed them to create a life of love, comfort, and stability.  Their family became complete when the joys of his life, son Mauricio and daughter Sylvia were born. Fernando believed that education, travel, and a strong faith in the will of God were crucial in raising his family.  He led by example and gave his children a love for science, pets, and a strong sense of family.
In his 26 years at Bird S. Coler Memorial Hospital, Fernando never missed a day of work,  He was even given an award of recognition for arriving to work during one the biggest snowstorms in NYC's history.  Fernando loved everything about NYC and believed it was the greatest city in the world.  Upon his retirement in 1997, Fernando enjoyed taking in everything that NYC had to offer, and was usually found at the library reading and absorbing information.  His retirement also allowed him to travel throughout the US and internationally.
Fernando is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 54 years, Amanda, his son Mauricio and daughter-in-law, Lorraine from Miami, FL and daughter Sylvia and son-in-law, Thomas Roome from Warwick, NY.  He leaves behind his six adored grandchildren, Gabriel, Lucas, Ava, William, Valentina, and Julia.
Visitation will be from 3 PM to 7 PM at Gerard J. Neufeld Funeral Home on Wednesday Oct 27, 2021. Funeral services will be at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Jackson Heights on Thursday Oct 28, 2021 at 945 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the ASPCA 520 8th Ave, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10018
 

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