Obituary of Royal E. Hernandez

Royal E. Hernandez

Age 93 of Crest Hill, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 14, 2024, at Lightways Hospice in Joliet. Royal was born on September 16, 1931, in Joliet, the son of the late Pete and Grace (nee Kunzmann) Hernandez.  He remained a lifelong area resident.  On August 8, 1953, Royal Hernandez married Marilyn J. (nee Childers) in Joliet, and they spent 69 happy and loving years together before her passing in March of 2023.

Royal was a hardworking man, owning and operating his own company, Royal Sewer Cleaning. He was a kind and loving husband, father, son, and papa who will be deeply missed. He also served his country proudly in the United States Army.

Royal is survived by his two daughters, Connie (Steve) Bilik and Cindy (the late Nick) Quas; his daughter-in-law, Cheryl Hernandez; and his grandchildren, Dennis Bilik, David (Sara) Bilik, Nicole (Joe) Smith, Tracy Doll, and Zachary Quas; great-grandchildren, Bella, Jaxon, Cameron, Jacob, Jordan, and Damien.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn; his son, Royal “Guy” Hernandez; his parents; his siblings, Mike Hernandez, James Hernandez, Ruth Sterioti and Pete Hernandez; sister-in-law, Saralea Vicich; and brother-in-law, Pete Childers.

The family would like to give a special thanks to his caregivers, Deb Kern and Fanta Simpson for the genuine love and care they gave Royal.

Funeral services for Royal E. Hernandez will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black (at Essington) Rd., Joliet,  from  9:00 a.m. until the time of service beginning at 10:30 a.m.  Interment will follow at Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet. Memorials in his name to Lightways Hospice would be appreciated. For more information, please call 815-741-5500, or to leave an online condolence, visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.