Julian Hernandez

Julian “Juice” Hernandez, age 65, of Stratford, formerly of Norwalk, passed away at home on Sunday, August 2, 2026. Born and raised in Washington Village in Norwalk, he was the son of the late Esmeraldo and Dorothy (Jane) Hernandez and one of six children. He graduated from Brian McMahon High School and immediately entered the work force, starting his first job at New York Bakery on Main Street in Norwalk. From there, he had a few other jobs in between before becoming a District Manager at Stop & Shop before his well-earned retirement.

Julian loved rooting for his favorite sports teams, the Yankees and the Patriots, as well as listening to his favorite artists, some of which include: Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Aerosmith, The Eagles, Phil Collins and, most recently, Jelly Roll. He was known amongst family and friends for making one of the best cheesecakes you could ever have. Crime dramas were his favorite TV shows to binge, happily re-watching episodes of NCIS, Hawaii Five-0, and Walker Texas Ranger.

Above all else, Julian cherished spending time with his family. There was nothing more important in his life than them, and he worked hard in order to provide for them. While not one for fancy vacations down to Disney World, he loved taking the kids on their annual summer camping trips to Salem Farms Campground or up to Cape Code. Later on, he enjoyed spending days at sea on different cruises exploring the Caribbean. Even just sitting together watching TV with his family meant the world to him.

That love for his family extended outwards and, with a heart bigger than himself, he opened his home to children in need. Julian was a DCF Foster Care Parent and a 24/7 Emergency Home, always willing and able to take in a child who needed his care. In the late 90s, he was recognized for his dedication by the State of Connecticut for having taken in and cared for over 80 children who needed a loving and open foster home. There was no task too small or challenge too great for Julian- he would do anything he could to make sure that the people around him were taken care of.

It’s hard to encapsulate everything he was - a loving husband, a dedicated father, a passionate foster care dad, a hard worker, a loyal friend, and so much more. Words alone cannot describe the impact he had on those around him. He will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure and honor of knowing him.

Julian is survived by his loving family, including his children Paul, Abigail, Daniel, Raymond, and Jose; his brothers Johnny and Esmeraldo “Eddie” Jr.; his nieces Crystal, Lucy “Lindy” Jr., and Jamellah; his nephew Brandon; his grandchildren Sophia, Ryze, and Callie; his goddaughter Autumn; along with countless other family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wives Lisa (Augustine) and Norine (Steeves), his sisters Lucy and Rosemary, his brother Michael, his granddaughter Valentina Lisa Marie, his grandson Jackson, his great-nephew Jackson, and his best friend from childhood Mike Rogers and his daughter Amber.

Friends and family may gather to pay their respects on Friday, August 7 from 5-7pm at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield CT. A prayer service will begin promptly at 7pm. All other services will be private.