Hilton: January 26, 2026. Axel is survived by his loving mother, Alexis Hernandez; grandparents, Valorie (Hector) Lopez, Mark (Lisy Martinez) Hernandez; great-grandparents, Patricia & Ronald Julian, & John Hernandez; uncles, Julian (Delayne Lauderbaugh) Hernandez & Marko (Taylor Palumbo) Hernandez; several aunts, uncles, cousins & dear friends.

The family invites you to wear green to the services in honor of Axel. Axel’s life story will be shared during his visitation at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.) Sunday, February 8th, 1-5 PM. His funeral service will be celebrated, Monday, February 9th, 10 AM at First Bible Baptist Church, 990 Manitou Rd. Immediately following, Axel will be laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Axel’s honor may be made to Parma Public Library, 7 West Avenue, Hilton, NY 14468.

Life Story of Axel N. Hernandez
Axel N. Hernandez was born on a warm, almost-hot spring day on May 26, 2021, at Highland Hospital in Rochester, New York. After nearly 24 hours of labor, he flew into the world weighing 6 pounds, 6.8 ounces — tiny in size, but immeasurably big in heart. As his great-grandma Bella lovingly said, he may have been small, but he was already enormous in the hearts of those who loved him.

From the very beginning, Axel made the world brighter, cuter, funnier, and sweeter. In just four and a half years, he lived with a fullness and joy that many never reach in a lifetime.

Axel was endlessly curious and deeply joyful. He loved learning, reading books with his mom, and discovering the world around him. Libraries, museums, parks, playgrounds — if there was somewhere to explore, Axel wanted to be there. Summer days found him constantly on the go, soaking in sunshine, movement, laughter, and play.

His favorite things were learning, reading, playing, dancing, music, Bluey, Monster Jam trucks, Transformers, dinosaurs, and spending time with his family and preschool friends. He loved listening to music — especially Jonas Brothers and Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso — and car rides were always better with a song playing. Axel was musical to his core, always ready to dance or sing along. His favorite phrase, often shouted with excitement, was: “WATCH THIS!”

Axel’s mom, Alexis Hernandez, was the center of his world — and Axel was the center of hers. Alexis worked nights as a server at Capitano so she could spend every possible day with Axel. Her life revolved around giving him experiences, taking him places, teaching him about the world, and showing him how to be kind, curious, and smart. Sleeping in mom’s bed every night was a non-negotiable — and one of Axel’s favorite comforts.

Axel attended Trinity Lamb Preschool in Greece, where he thrived. He adored his teachers — Mrs. Branco, Miss Amy, and Miss Stephanie — and loved his friends deeply. His family affectionately called him “the mayor” of the preschool. Axel always wanted to arrive first, play in the hallway, and proudly hold the front door open for classmates and parents alike. He was welcoming, social, and endlessly friendly — Axel loved nothing more than making a new friend and having someone to play with.

Exceptionally smart and a quick learner, Axel took great pride in school. His family often joked that school was his job, and he took it very seriously. He also loved t-ball, basketball, and participating in activities at the Greece Town Hall.

One of Axel’s most special bonds was with his best friend, Lawson Wamser-Gross, whom he met at preschool. Lately, Axel wanted everything in the color blue — Lawson’s favorite color. The two were often reminded to calm down after getting too silly together in class. They shared trick-or-treating, movie outings, and countless moments of laughter and play.

Axel loved his pets deeply — his cat Banks and his beloved dog Lucy, who had recently been rescued. His stuffies were especially important to him. Axel treated them as if they were real, with feelings and emotions of their own, and never wanted to leave one alone.
Snacks were serious business to Axel. His favorites included applesauce pouches, granola bars, cheese balls, and puffs. Pepperoni on his pizza might have been the only thing Axel didn’t like.

He looked up to his Uncle Julian and Uncle Marko, whom he adored. Uncle Marko — also known as Papi Flaco — held a special place in Axel’s musical heart.
Five words that perfectly describe Axel are: sweet, smart, funny, kind, and an old soul.

In his four and a half years, Axel leaves behind a beautiful legacy — a friend to all, an eager learner, a hilarious soul, and a deeply loving child. He was truly one of one. Axel touched every soul he encountered in a way that will never be forgotten.

Our world is quieter and dimmer without our shining star boy. We will mourn him, look for him everywhere, and honor him for the rest of our lives. Axel’s light will continue to live on in every laugh, every song, every playground, and every open door held for another.