Abel S. Hernandez

Abel Sarmiento Hernandez, 87, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in Fullerton in the presence of his family after a long fight with cancer on the morning of June 28, 2021. Born in the small village of Valparaiso, located in the north central Mexican state of Zacatecas, on September 14, 1933, to the late Ruperto and Martina Sarmiento, Abel leaves behind his beloved wife of 63 years, Graciela “Chela” Acosta Hernandez.

Abel came from humble beginnings and started to work at an early age. Immigrating to the United States in his early teens, he diligently learned the English language and worked at various jobs to help provide for his family. Abel went from shining shoes at the U.S/Mexico border to driving semi-trucks long distances for more than 20 years, and he was very proud of his "Million Miler Safety Award" for never having a traffic violation or accident. Abel subsequently opened a very successful business in the City of Carson in 1976. Through Abel’s dedication and tenacity, A&C Pallet Company became a thriving enterprise under his operations management, providing well-paying jobs with benefits to its employees. Many of Abel’s early employees remained throughout his entire 27-year tenure until he sold his interest in 2003. During this time, he also served for many years on the Board of Directors for the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, a non-profit organization that serves disadvantage individuals and families in the Los Angeles area.

In retirement, Abel loved to golf in Orange County and the Coachella Valley, play the casinos in Las Vegas, listen to mariachi music, and travel the world, especially to see his grandchildren. But most of all, he relished spending time with the love of his life, his treasured Chela, especially when that time was spent on a dance floor.

In addition to his wife, Abel is survived by their children Abel Sarmiento, Jr., Cynthia Downing, Sandra Molkenbuhr, and Sylvia Sarmiento as well as by Maria Hernandez and Guadalupe Behnke, children from a previous marriage. Abel is also survived by his brother, Jesus Sarmiento, and his eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was pre-deceased by his sisters Josefina Guerrero and Teresa Murillo.

To the very end, Abel kept his sense of humor and was so appreciative of the loving care he received from his family, friends, healthcare/home care providers, and especially his cherished Chela. Abel lived a long and faithful life, and he will truly be missed by family and friends. Our family is grateful to have loved Abel on earth and thankful now that he is at peace in heaven.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401