Obituary of Ted Omar Hernandez

Ted Omar Hernandez (11/10/71 – 6/04/21) Ted Hernandez touched the hearts of all that knew him. He was a devoted son, outstanding “Big Brother Like No Other,” Navy Veteran, volunteer firefighter, and Physician’s Assistant. On June 4th, 2021, at age 49, he left us all too soon and died peacefully at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, New York. Ted was born in Brooklyn, NY on November 10th, 1971. He moved to Massapequa at the age of 3, where he spent his childhood. He graduated Massapequa Highschool class of 1989. An adventurer at heart, ready to “see some action!” he enthusiastically enrolled in the U.S Navy at the age of 17 and honorably served his country for four years. After honorable discharge, he aspired to become an Army Ranger and enrolled in the Army R.O.T.C program at Saint John’s University. While in college full-time, Ted served as a volunteer firefighter for the Massapequa Fire Department. He also spent several years as a volunteer coach for his little sister’s soccer team – where his winning strategy was offering the players one gallon of ice-cream for each goal scored. It worked! While in college, he was known as quite the ladies man (or should I say heart breaker!) Ted obtained his bachelors and masters degree from Saint John’s University and became a Physician’s Assistant. He was a free spirit who loved the thrill of adventure, and quickly found his home in Emergency Medicine where he worked for over 20 years. Ted loved medicine. And I mean he really, really, loved medicine. Throughout his career he regularly called his parents and sister after a shift recounting the “incredible save!” that happened in the ER the day before, telling the story moment by moment. Passionate and smart, while practicing medicine full time he became an adjunct professor at St. John’s University in the in the P.A program. Referring to his college students, he often jokingly commented “These kids have got to step it up! When I was in their shoes I knew way more, come on now!” As the charismatic and engaging guy that he was, Ted also spent several years guest lecturing at pain management conferences around the country. The running theme in Ted’s life was that he was dedicated to service and serving others. He was magnetic, lighthearted, and playful, and known for ability to “fill the room.” His adventurous spirit outside of the E.R led him to become an avid scuba diver and traveler. But perhaps most importantly, Ted was kind, compassionate, and dedicated. His word was his bond, and he wore his heart on his sleeve. Ted’s legacy is the personal impact that he left on all that knew him. He is survived by his parents, Jose and Maria Hernandez (age 81 and 74, respectively), as well as his sister Omyda Hernandez (age 39; formerly Heather). He also leaves being his beloved dog Mia, who was the light of his life. In his passing, Ted has joined his beloved sister Brenda Hernandez (1969-1982), and cherished pups Sheeba and Maximus.