ERASMO REY HERNANDEZ

Erasmo, better known by his middle name Rey, was the second son of  Leonor Lopez Perea and the late Rafael Diaz Hernández, both from Mexico City. Rey was born on January 4, 1991 in Oxnard California (he was always proud to be from California). By the time he reached the age of 7, his family relocated to Baltimore, Maryland. Rey eventually made his way to Hagerstown, the place he would make his home. 

Rey was a caring and loving brother, and although biologically he only had four siblings, Rey took to heart that family is not just blood but it's those you choose to make family. This belief allowed Rey to gain family from all walks of life. Rey was a great conversationalist, a good listener, kind, and compassionate. He never judged, and he was always there for those who needed him. We also can’t talk about Rey without mentioning food; with the majority of his skills sharpened through the service industry, Rey loved to cook. For those who loved him, memories of Rey call to mind family cookouts, carne asada, tacos, music and laughs. Rey could always find the humor in life, and that was something that carried him through darker times. 

By no means was Rey’s life an easy one. Ultimately his body got tired and his soul departed this earth to rest. His death leaves behind a void in the hearts and lives of many.

Erasmo Rey Hernández leaves behind two sons, his oldest Caiden Thomas Hernandez-Bertrand (Wendy and Joe Betrand), and youngest Zayne Grey Hernandez (Mikayla Rhodes). His mother Leonor, maternal grandmother Evangelina Perea, siblings, Belén Dougherty, Maura Hernandez, Abraham Hernandez, Rafa Jr., Horacio, Angel, Jesse, Mac, Daniel, and Darius. He was godfather to Kaidyn, Kingston, Karii, and Kearynn (Ashley Pridgen), and uncle to Emma Dougherty, Olivia Dougherty, Georgette Goins, CJ Axel Jimenez, Mateo Hernandez, and many, many other children that truly called him “uncle Rey.” There are so many other people not named on this list but that is not dismissive of their importance in Rey’s life, from cousins, to aunts and uncles, friends, and colleagues. 

I want to thank you. Thank you for raising, helping, calling, and loving Rey unconditionally until his last breath on this earth.

Rest easy baby brother, see you on the other side.