Nelson Hernandez

Nelson Scott Hernandez, 71, passed away on April 22, 2024, in Bradenton Florida. He suffered a heart attack and had been dealing with a neuromuscular disease for 16 years.

Nelson was born February 11, 1953 in Washington, DC at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to Lt. Col. Mario M. Hernandez and Conchita L. Hernandez.

His Dad was a USAF Military Pilot. The family moved often and retired to Northern Virginia. Nelson graduated from West Springfield High School, 1971.

He received an Associate of Arts in Accounting from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from George Mason University. After graduating college, he began his career working for The Department of the Navy. He was awarded a Secretary of the Navy Fellowship in Financial Management and received his Master’s in Business Administration from George Washington University.

Nelson dedicated 31 years working in Financial Management for the Department of the Navy Comptroller at the Pentagon, Naval Sea Systems Command at the Washington Navy Yard and Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, Virginia. He retired in August of 2010 only to manage and fight his neuromuscular disease.

He loved sports. He was a big fan of the Washington Commanders and Nationals. He enjoyed playing tennis, snow skiing and going to the beach with family. His hobbies were model trains, history, science fiction, strategy games, and politics. He was also passionate about coaching. He coached his children’s Little River Soccer and Mason District Little League Baseball and Softball teams. He was proud of leading the effort with Fairfax County to install batting cages at Parklawn Elementary which the Little Leagues still use today.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Vikki Hernandez, children, Alex (Molly) Hernandez and Katherine Hernandez, brothers, Phil Hernandez and Bob (Melissa) Hernandez, nieces, Dulcie (Jason) Grabarczyk and Candace (James) Liebig, great nieces, Laura, Ally, Aliya, Alora and great nephew, Evan.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Lt. Col. Mario M. Hernandez, Ret., Conchita L. Hernandez, his brother, Mario L. Hernandez and sisters-in-law, Joanie Hernandez and Mary Hernandez.

The family will gather privately in celebration of Nelson’s life.

With love and appreciation from the Hernandez family.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).