Dr. Miguel Hernandez

Dr. Miguel Hernandez, 58, of Middletown, New Jersey, passed away suddenly on November 9, 2023, at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, New Jersey. Born on July 16, 1965, in Red Bank, he spent most of his life in Keyport, New Jersey, where he grew up. In 2006, he made Middletown his home when he found his true love, Janine.

Miguel's journey began in the Keyport school system, where he developed a passion for wrestling and football. His prowess on the football field earned him the affectionate nickname "Pitbull." He graduated from Montclair State College with a Bachelor of Science. He furthered his education at Kean College, earning both a Master of Arts in Special Education and a Master of Arts in Education Administration. In 2004, he achieved the pinnacle of his educational journey, obtaining a Doctor of Education from Nova Southern University.

While football was Miguel's passion, his heart belonged to his students. He was determined to ensure that every student felt valued, seeing the positive in every situation. Miguel was a silent pillar of strength, known for his compassion, empathy, and love. His infectious laugh, love of pranks, and adventures in his RV created lasting memories for all who knew him. 

Miguel continued his athletic endeavors beyond the football field moving into deadlifting. During this season, he achieved 1st Place in the US Championship.  Miguel’s achievements go beyond his athletic accomplishments. 

His professional journey saw him serve as the Principal of Keyport High School, his alma mater, until 2010, followed by a role as Assistant Superintendent in Hoboken in 2016. He later became the Superintendent of Schools for Manchester Regional Schools in Passaic County until his retirement in August 2020. In 2021, he authored the book "Letters from My Students," inspired by true events to encourage hungry educators who are still on the front lines educating America’s youth. 

Miguel is preceded in death by his mother, Asuncion Hernandez. He is survived by his beloved wife of 15 years, Janine Hopkins Hernandez, his loving father Hipolito Hernandez, and devoted siblings Eddie Hernandez (Lauren) of Hazlet, NJ, Johnnie Hernandez (Becky) of Grattos VA, Jose Hernandez (Nikki) of Union Beach, NJ, Daisy Joyner of Chambersburg, PA, Lissette Jones (Randolph) of Chambersburg, PA, David Hernandez (Erica) of Matawan, NJ, his father and mother in-law Edward and Eileen Hopkins of Hazlet, NJ, his brothers in-law and sisters in-law Edward Hopkins of Hazlet, NJ, Kim (Peter) Buonocore of Middletown, NJ, Danielle (Cliff) Setterstrom of Hazlet, NJ, a host cherished nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, November 13, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 3269 State Highway/Route 35 North, Hazlet, NJ 07730. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at St. Joseph/Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 376 Maple Place, Keyport, NJ 07735. Interment will follow at Shoreland Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Highway 35, Hazlet, NJ 07730.

For more information, directions, or to share condolences with the family, please visit www.shorepointfh.com (https://www.shorepointfh.com).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Miguel Hernandez, please visit our floral store.