He only looked like a billion other men, and that is where his ordinariness ended.
Character, you see, is not visible.
The golden character of Charlie Hernandez gleamed like the noonday sun.
He may have been faceless because of the routine nature of his blue-collar work.
Charlie’s work-ethic, however, was worthy of emulation by the America’s highest paid CEOs.
Charlie’s character was extraordinary, said the people who worked with him until the tragic day two months ago when the motorcyclist was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver.
In his most vivid longshot dreams, Charlie could not have imagined that people would be speaking of him in adoring tones – or even remembering him — months after his cheatingly (?) shortened life.
For the past 11 years, Charlie had been employed by Haynes Building Service, which does a large amount of work for the city. As staff coordinator, he was one of the most familiar and beloved workers around City Hall and the Senior Center.
Setting up and tearing down chairs and other furniture for events was one of his specialties.
To repeat, his physical profile would not have arrested your attention.
However, his kindness and the depth of his character, his conduct, his work ethic would stamp him permanently on your memory.
One more Charlie asset was his calling card.
When Gary Mandell, longtime producer of the Summer Music Festival in the courtyard of City Hall, was talking the other day about Thursday’s Opening Night, his first mention was of Charlie Hernandez.
Here was a tribute to the proportionality of Charlie’s impact.
How would Mr. Mandell, entrepreneur, even know who Charlie was? He did, and he cared. Their affection flowed in both directions.
“Really going to miss Charlie on Thursday nights,” Mr. Mandell said. “His smile was worth a million dollars.”
“Charlie’s work ethic and contributions were immeasurable,” a City Hall statement said at the time of his death.
“Charlie tirelessly strove to serve the city. He provided the best presentation and customer service for the rentals, for city events and meetings, for Senior Center programs and for Parks and Recreation programs.
“Charlie was passionate about doing the best he could every day.”
