Wilfredo "Vito" Hernandez

Wilfredo “Vito” Hernandez, 70, of Southington, formerly of Bristol passed away on April 9, 2022 at Bradley Memorial Hospital in Southington. He was the husband of Dinorah Prieto Hernandez. Vito was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico and was the son of the late Bienvenido and Josephine Garcia Hernandez on September 12, 1951. The family moved to Bristol a few months later in 1951. Vito was a premier student-athlete lettering in football, basketball and baseball at Bristol Central High School graduating in 1969. After graduation he had a few Major League Baseball tryouts before getting hurt in which ended his career. Vito later worked as a paraprofessional at Bristol Central HS and was awarded the Ralph Papazian Leadership Award in 2019.

Vito’s loss will be felt by us all, but it will never out-weigh all that we gained from his kind and generous soul. Vito worked tirelessly for his family but felt it was its own reward. Vito loved being able to connect with so many wonderful people. Vito was someone you could rely on. Vito was a symbol of hope in uncertain and even dark times. Vito had a gift of providing friendship and mentorship to all that he met. Vito would want his example of positivity and kindness to lead others in their most difficult of times.

In addition to his wife Dinorah, he is survived by his daughters Emily Hernandez and Kizzy Hernandez-Bigos and her husband Shawn Bigos, grandsons Braden and Kasen Bigos, brother David Hernandez, nieces Davina Hernandez, Krystal Hernandez, Jennifer (Gina) Mercado, Myra Berrios(Sampson), Mariliz Fitzpatrick, nephew Dennis John (DJ) Hernandez, and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his infant son Wilfred, brother, Dennis Hernandez and sister Ruth Valderrama.

Vito loved his family and would talk about his two daughters, Emily and Kizzy to everyone he could. Vito adored his wife Dinorah and knew she was his forever partner in life. Vito loved his siblings and would look forward to almost daily calls from his brother David. Vito cherished his cousins, nieces, and God daughter’s Angela Grandbois and Ameris Estrada.

Although it didn’t seem possible, but Vito’s heart more than doubled in size with the arrival of his two grandsons Braden and Kasen Bigos. They gave him purpose and endless happiness. He lives on through their kind and gentle hearts. Vito’s two other loves were sports and food. He would approach anyone involved in any sport just to hear their passion about how much sports can positively impact a person’s life. Vito is and will always be immensely loved and will be deeply missed by so many.

The visiting hours to Celebrate Vito’s Life will take place from 2 TO 6 PM on Friday, April 15, 2022 at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Avenue, Bristol. A catholic funeral home service will take place on, Saturday, April 16, 2022 at 10:30 AM. Burial to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol. To leave an online condolence go to Vito’s memorial page at www.funkfuneralhome.com

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