Friends Mourn Beloved Shirley Feed Employee, Help His Children

SHIRLEY, NY — The local Shirley community is mourning the beloved employee of a store where he worked for more than 20 years.

Jose Julio Hernandez was a familiar face and friend at Shirley Feed, a pet supply and grooming shop — and the entire staff was left heartbroken after his death.

"It is with extreme sadness that we must announce the passing of our dear Julio," Shirley Feed posted on Facebook. "Julio has been with our Shirley Feed family for over 26 years. Anyone that has ever visited our store has met or been helped by Julio. He was a hard worker and always looked to help anyone that shopped here."

His infectious smile and his fun attitude is what made him so loving, friends at Shirley Feed said. "Our hearts are shattered as we lost a huge part of our family. He will be missed but the memories we have all made together will last a lifetime. Rest In peace, Julio," the post said.

A GoFundMe, "Shirley Feed — Julio's Children Fund," has been set up to help Hernandez' young children.

"Julio Hernandez passed away after a short battle with a liver condition he was fighting. He was an extremely hard and dedicated worker . . . and was loved and adored by so many customers and community members that became friends with him. The outpouring of love and wonderful memories show how much he meant to so many," the page said.

Julio is survived by his wife Rudith and two teenage daughters, Kelly Ann, 17, and Jazmin, 13; his family is devastated by his passing, the page said.

The fund is set up on behalf of Shirley Feed to help his teenage daughters with any financial needs "since their Papi is no longer here to provide for them," the page said. "Any donation big or small would be greatly appreciated by them. Anyone that knew Julio knows that he loved his wife and his children. On his days off from work he dedicated his time with his family."

Julio was proud of the home he made with his family, the page said.

"He loved doing things around his home. He kept his lawn and gardens well manicured and did all his home maintenance on his own. He was proud of his home and of his family. When he came here from El Salvador over 30 years ago he arrived with no shoes and a dedication to live the American dream in which he succeeded," his friends said.

The support will help his family and provide for his two daughters, organizers said.

Anyone who wants to donate and help Hernandez' daughters, can make a donation by donating to the GoFundMe page here; or by sending or bringing a check to Shirley Feed, 675 Montauk Highway, Shirley, NY, 11967. Checks can be made payable to Shirley Feed/Julio Hernandez.

Funeral Services for Jose Julio Hernandez will take place at Davin's Funeral Home, Inc., located at 1 Old Montauk Highway in Mastic.

Visitation takes place on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a mass on Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Church, located at 224 S. Ocean Avenue in Patchogue. Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Patchogue.

Shirley Feed will be closed Sunday and Monday.

Photo courtesy GoFundMe.