HAVERHILL - Angel Hernandez, 30, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2015, in his hometown of Haverhill.

Born to Arilys Fantini and the late Angel Hernandez in January 1985 in New York City, Angel moved to MA with his family and later graduated from Haverhill High. He was happily married to the beautiful Griselin (Ortiz) Hernandez and together they had an amazing son, William, and another son, due to arrive within days, into the loving arms of his family, whom they planned to name Anthony.

Angel had a mission in life and that was to see people smile. He filled every room he walked into with the bright light of his personality and he would leave you laughing every time you were lucky enough to be in his presence. Larger than life while with us, he will become a legend in our memories. Stories will be embellished, facts will be stretched but one thing will remain true; he gave his love to many and it was returned to him fully.

He had no love greater than that which he reserved for his family; grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, he cherished time spent with them all. With Gri he has left his legacy in William and, soon, Anthony. These two children will learn of their father and understand how deeply he loved them and how committed he was to being the best father he could be. Gri was his grounding foundation, his partner, and his true love. His little brother, Alvin, walked in his footsteps through childhood and into manhood. Together they lived, loved and laughed. A support system like no other, the respect and love they had for each other was the very definition of the word "brotherhood."

He also leaves behind his stepfather Bill Fantini and his mother, Arilys. Bill came into his life while Angel was a young boy and became his "Pops." A father figure and friend, Bill gave Angel all the love and support any father can give his son. As simple tribute to how much Angel appreciated having Bill in his life, he named his first son after him. Angel's mother Arilys was his rock, his moral compass and his guiding light. He adored her in every way and loved her with all his heart and soul.

His Funeral will be held Friday morning, July 17, beginning in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Bradford at 9:00 AM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated in St. James Church, Haverhill at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in St. James Cemetery, Haverhill.

Calling hours will be Thursday in the funeral home from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.

Courtesy transportation to the visitation will be provided on request by calling Patrick Driscoll at (978) 374-0000.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the William and Anthony Scholarship Fund at Haverhill Bank, 180 Merrimack Street, PO 1656, Haverhill, MA 01831; or to a charity dear to you.

In lieu of tears, please think of Angel and smile, he would want it no other way.