Juan Alberto Hernández-Chiroldes passed away on September 17, 2024. He lived a life of impact: one that shaped his family, his students, and his community.
Visitation will be held at Caballero Rivero Sunset Funeral Home, 7355 SW 117 Ave, Miami, FL, 33183, beginning at 4 pm on Sunday September 22. A funeral mass will be held at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 5400 SW 102nd Ave Miami, FL 33165, at 10 am Monday September 23. The Burial will follow the mass at Miami Memorial Park Cemetery, 6200 SW 77th Ave, Miami, FL 333143
Alberto was born in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba on January 31,1943, to the late José Antolín Hernández and Domitila Chiroldes. At age 18, his outspoken beliefs forced him to leave Cuba, but Cuba never left him. He spent the next 64 years yearning and advocating for a free and Democratic Cuba. His dream was to one day return to his native land, so much so that he refused to change his citizenship for the first 51 years of his exile.
In 1969, Alberto graduated from the University of Puerto Rico. That same year, he married his wife of 55 years, Denise. For them, education was paramount. They both received a Master’s degree from Middlebury College and a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin. And their top priority as parents was to educate their children. As such, it is no surprise that Alberto’s life’s work was teaching. He spent 31 years as an iconic professor at Davidson College. He served as Chair of the Spanish Department, and was awarded the ODK Teaching Award and the Hunter Hamilton Love of Teaching Award during his tenure. However, his most cherished memories of Davidson were of his countless hours with students, many of whom became lifelong friends. Students’ stories of vibrant conversations during office hours with El Profesor have been told for the last 40 years. When he retired in 2010, dozens of former students traveled back to Davidson from around the globe to celebrate his impact on their lives.
While Cuban by blood, Alberto was American by heart. He championed Democracy, Capitalism, and Discourse. Moreover, he embodied the “American Dream, ” a legacy that he has left for his grandchildren. Another legacy is his love of learning and search for wisdom. His encyclopedic knowledge of literature, history, sports, philosophy, music, politics, and his beloved old Westerns, made him an incredible friend and mentor. For every occasion, he was ready with a story, rich in detail and full of humor. His many friends and family would attest to his willingness to help at any moment, through advice or action. And of course, he valued a hearty debate, decibels be damned.
Above all, he was treasured as a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend. Alberto is survived by his wife of 55 years, R. Denise Cobian Hernández -Chiroldes, son Alberto Hernández (wife Abigail Kellett), daughter Denise Cross (husband Dax Cross), grandchildren Javier Cross, Thaddeus Cross, Beatrice Hernández, Sabina Cross, and Josephine Hernández. He is also survived by the Cobiáns (his wife’s siblings and their families), and his many beloved cousins and friends. He will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.