Ismael "Sonny" Herrera Jr.

Ismael Herrera, Jr. (“Sonny”), a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather, passed away at the age of 89 on June 17, 2023, with his two daughters by his side, in Irvine, California.  Born in Alice, Texas on March 8, 1934, to Ismael and Maria Herrera, Ismael was one of four children. 

Ismael is preceded in death by his wife, Lydia.  He is survived by his brothers Alonso and Edward, his sister Ellen, daughters Sandra (Gene) and Cynthia (Tom), and his grandchildren, Ryan, Kevin, Joey, Kelly, and Matthew. 

Ismael grew up in Alice, Texas, where he was a strong student and gifted athlete.  Ismael played basketball and ran track.  He attended Texas A&I (later known as Texas A&M) before he joined the military.  He served in the Army in Korea.  After he returned home, Ismael met Lydia Hinojosa and they were married on June 7, 1959, in Alice, Texas.

The happy couple later moved to California and started their family.  Together they raised two daughters, Sandra and Cynthia, to be confident, smart, and humble women.  Ismael worked at Hartford Insurance Company for over 30 years.  He enjoyed his work and over the years created many friendships with his co-workers, as well as the attorneys and judges with whom he worked. 

Ismael loved all aspects of his life. He loved spending time with friends at sporting events, birthday parties, graduations, or just afternoon BBQs.  He loved all sports but played closest attention to basketball, football and tennis.  Ismael was an avid fan of the LA Lakers, the Dallas Cowboys and enjoyed watching all the big tennis tournaments.  He would light up when he had the opportunity to talk sports with his grandchildren or his sons-in-law.

But mostly, Ismael cherished his family—his loving wife, his talented daughters, and his five wonderful grandchildren.  He and Lydia were long-time Mater Dei Football Season ticket holders where they could be seen rooting on their song leader (Sandra) and cheerleader (Cynthia) daughters and the MD Football team.  They faithfully attended all of their daughters’ performances over the years and athletic events and performances by their grandchildren as well.

He would be the first to admit he felt lost and struggled without Lydia.  But with the memory of his loving wife and the support of his daughters and his friends, Ismael continued to enjoy life spending time with his grandchildren and staying healthy.   

A rosary will be held on Thursday, July 6th at 9:30 a.m., immediately followed by a funeral mass at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas More (51 Marketplace, Irvine, CA 92602).  After mass, everyone is invited to the internment at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery (7845 E. Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA 92683). 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Sisters of the Company of Mary Retirement Fund at 16791 Main Street, Tustin, CA 92780.  Please write check to “Sisters of the Company of Mary”, and reference on check “Ismael Herrera, Jr. – Sisters’ Retirement Fund”.

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