David Hernandez, Iii

David Hernandez III, age 60, of Glendale, AZ passed away on August 24, 2022. David was born February 18, 1962 in Pecos in west Texas. In 1967 with his parents and younger brother, moved to Casa Grande, AZ where his siblings grew to four. The Hernandez family became well-known through their contributions to the Casa Grande community.

David graduated from Casa Grande high school and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in 1984. After graduation, he started his career as a director of parks and recreation in two small towns: Rangely, CO and Banning, CA. Wanting to be closer to his family, he returned to Casa Grande where he found his true calling in education. Throughout his early teaching career, he impacted the lives of many students in the Casa Grande Elementary School District. He eventually earned a Masters of Education from the University of Phoenix in 1997. In 2002, he moved to Glendale, AZ.

David’s passion for teaching literacy inspired him to join the Arizona Reading Association. From there, he was elected as the first elementary school teacher to the Board of Directors for the International Reading Association, an honor commonly reserved for university professors. Because of this, David proudly accepted a position in the Washington D.C. public school system before returning to Arizona to continue his educational career. David was also a proud leader and member of the Arizona Education Association. As a teacher and administrator, he influenced the lives of students and colleagues in several school districts. He taught in the Pendergast and Glendale Elementary School Districts. He moved into administrative positions at Madison ESD as an assistant principal and at Cartwright ESD where he was a current assistant director in Educational Services. Their motto, “One Team, Una Familia!” exemplifies David’s outlook for the public education system he loved and worked tirelessly to support.

David’s compassion for others was how he lived his life and is how he will always be remembered. He loved his family and his friends. David was a huge Sun Devils and Arizona Cardinals fan and you could see him passionately cheering on his teams during their seasons. Most recently, David became known for his baking abilities and his delicious pastries! He brought joy and happiness to everyone he met, giving of himself never asking for anything in return. He loved to play Bingo and travel the world. With his silly jokes and humor, he filled every room with joy and smiles. He was loved and admired by many. He is survived by his companion of 21 years, Rudy Aguilar (married April 2022), brothers: Duane, George Luis, Carlo (Robin) and nephews: Carlo Wynn, Destin, and Asher. He was preceded in death by parents David Jr and Clotilde in 2019.

Relatives and friends are invited to share in David’s Life Celebration on September 15 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Casa Grande with a Rosary at 9am and Mass at 9:30am. Interment ceremony will be 11:00am at Mountain View Cemetery, 15506 W Skyway Ave., followed by a luncheon at J. Warren Funeral Services 525 N. Peart Rd. Recommended flower services in Casa Grande: Janet’s Flower Shop, 520-466-7457. The family requests donations in memory of David Hernandez III: St. Vincent de Paul Society; 405 East Second Street, Casa Grande, AZ 85122.