Sergeant First Class (RET) Antonio “Toño” Hernandez Pumarejo

Sergeant First Class (RET) Antonio “Toño†Hernandez Pumarejo, 86, passed away at his home in Brownsville, Texas on August 13, 2021.  Born on October 17, 1934 in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, he was preceded in death by his Mother Lilia Pumarejo and his brother Servando “Chere†Hernandez.

Antonio was a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished grandfather as well as great-grandfather.  Antonio leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 61 years, Irene Cisneros Bochas whom he married on May 6, 1960 and who together had four children – Irene H. de Siller (Hector E. Siller), Alfredo G. Hernandez, twins Marco A. Hernandez (Graciela L. Garza de Hernandez) and Clemencia “Clem†Hernandez.

Antonio is survived by his brother Gualberto “Beto†Hernandez; his grandchildren Daniela Irene Siller [Javier Alejandro Almanza], Hèctor Eduardo Siller II [Gabriela Garza], Marcela Alejandra Siller [Luis Flores], Luis Adrian Lopez Hernandez, Diego Andres Lopez Hernandez, Mauro Alejandro Lopez Hernandez [Marián Lopez] and Andres Hernandez; great grandchildren Carlos Alejandro Almanza, Daniela Victoria Almanza, Sofía G Siller, Hèctor E Siller III, Mauro Alejandro Lopez Jr. as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Courteous in manner, dignified in behavior, kind in heart and pure in morals, he was beloved by his friends, honored by his acquaintances and respected by the men he led in the military. The place he occupied in the life of his family can never be filled. That place will know him no more; but wherever there is nobility of character, wherever there is gentleness of spirit, wherever there are all the things that make for love and peace, there Antonio has found his home.

Antonio led a life of dedication to his family and the military. During his military career, he served in multiple theaters, including Cold War assignments to Europe and post-war assignments to South Korea, where his skills as a U.S. Army Combat Engineer were called upon. Such was his skill, that he was transferred to and became a Special Forces Green Beret. The ultimate “Quiet Professional,†motto of the Green Berets, he seldom spoke of his assignments. A dedicated family man, he left the Green Berets early in his military career to be closer to his loving wife and family until retirement in 1979. Antonio cherished family, was an avid gardener and skilled at music and art. Mainly, he valued time at home with family.

A mass will be held on August 20, 2021 at 3:00pm at St. Mary’s Church, 1914 Barnard Rd, Brownsville, Texas.