For those who wish to attend virtually, Heli’s service will be live-streamed. To watch online, click on the “Photos/Videos/Webcasts” tab above, then scroll down and click on the "Webcasting" box

Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Uncle

Jesus “Heli” Hernandez PhD, a longtime resident of Lowell and retired Professor of UMass Lowell, died peacefully, August 21, 2021 at his home, with his loving family at his side, aged 79 years. He was the beloved husband of Diane E. (Primmerman) Hernandez, with whom he would have celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary this September 2nd.

He was born in Manzanares, Colombia, a son of the late Luis A. Hernandez Cardona and Teresa (Ramirez) Hernandez. As a lifelong scholar, Heli began his early education in Colombia through the Seminary then continued on to study at the Vatican in Rome earning multiple degrees in Theology, Philosophy, and Latin Literature & Languages, then finishing his PhD at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.

Heli was a Professor of Languages and Cultural Studies as well as an esteemed Board Member and Chairperson for various Boards & Departments during his 30 plus year tenure at UMass Lowell.

As a dedicated member of the Saint Patrick’s Parish, he also was an active member of the Lowell Community and held a seat on numerous Boards for various Committees in the City of Lowell. He enjoyed helping people reach their educational goals and was instrumental in establishing the Lowell Community Charter School.

Heli loved travelling the world and especially enjoyed vacationing with his family every year in Mexico. He was an avid and enthusiastic soccer fan who played his entire life, and in the most recent years enjoyed watching his grandson play while cheering him on from the sidelines.

Besides his wife Diane, he is survived by a daughter, Bianca T. Hernandez and her husband Jose of Lowell, a son, Sean A. Hernandez and his wife Jessica, and stepson, Brian C. Sparrow, all of Lowell, and two cherished grandchildren, Jesus H. Hernandez II, and Evergreen O. Hernandez. Also, a brother, Fabio Hernandez Ramirez and his wife Stella of Colombia, and two sisters, Olga Castano and her husband Balbino of Colombia, and Ofelia O’Daniels and her husband Richard of Texas. He was the brother of the late Alberto, Mario, Luis, Hector, Fabiola and Dolly Hernandez. He also leaves behind his first wife Sandra Hernandez and her partner Baron Wright, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received at the MORSE-BAYLISS Funeral Home, 122 Princeton Boulevard, Lowell, on Tuesday from 9 to 10:15 AM, followed by his Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick Church, 282 Suffolk Street, Lowell, at 11 AM. Face masks are respectfully required at all times. To view his service via livestream, please visit https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/1259188118 or click on the Photos/Videos/Webcasts tab above. Interment will be private. Funeral Director, Frederick W. Healy.