Aaron Hernandez’ parents are Dennis and Terri Hernandez. We have already introduced you to her mother Terri, so now lets meet his father Dennis:
Dennis Hernandez was of of Puerto Rican descent. He was born on February 9, 1956 in Bristol. His parents are the late Bienvenido and Josephine Garcia Hernandez. Dennis married Aaron’s mother, Terri Valentine Hernandez.
He has a twin brother named David who is married to Lisa Hernandez, and a brother named Vito married to Denora Hernandez. Dennis has also a sister named Ruth who is married to Andre Valderrama.
Dennis Hernandez worked at Bristol Eastern High School and was happy watching his sons, Dennis “DJ” Hernandez and Aaron Hernandez, play sports and attending his games.
“Watching his sons play sports was Dennis’ greatest joy”, says his wife, Terri.
Dennis Hernandez passed away at the age of 49 on January 6, 2006 at Bristol Hospital after complications from routine hernia surgery. His son Aaron was 16 at the time. His funeral was held at O’Brien Funeral Home and was buried at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol. Dennis’ family asked for memorial donations to be made to the UCONN Foundation for the Alumni Association.
Dennis seemingly touched everyone he met. There’s a memorial in the courtyard of the high school where he worked.
Aaron Hernandez has a tattoo on his left forearm with a favorite saying of his late father, Dennis, that reads:
“If it is to be, it is up to me”.
“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies on a person’s determination,” reads another of his father’s favorite quotes on Aaron’s arm.
Aaron’s world was shattered when his father died and deeply impacted his life. He said:
“It was more like a shock. Everyone was close to my father, but I was the closest,” Aaron Hernandez says. “I was with him more than my friends. When that happened, who do I talk to, who do I hang with? It was tough.”
Dennis Hernandez was nicknamed “The King.” He was a prep star in Bristol, Connecticut in the 1970’s. Dennis played at Bristol Central. Like his older son, D.J., he played football at UConn, too.
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