On November 6, 2024, Maximillian (Max) Hernandez, Sr. passed away at the age of 59 at his home in Baltimore, MD. He was a devoted father to his son, Max Hernandez Jr., and his daughter, Caroline Hernandez. He was the cherished son of Emma Hernandez and the late Rafael Hernandez, and a beloved brother to Margery Hernandez Emmett (John Emmett) and Diane Lilly (Bruce Kullman). He was also the dear former husband of Anne Hernandez. Max leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who loved him dearly.

Max was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1965. He grew up in Towson, MD and spent his early years at McDonogh School, where he formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. He then attended Calvert Hall College High School (CHC), where he excelled both academically and athletically, participating on both the cross country and tennis teams. Max was a standout on the tennis court, helping lead his team to victory, playing singles on the MSA Division A Varsity Championship team in 1981. It was also at Calvert Hall where he discovered his passion for community service, contributing to the Seasonal Drives Committee and serving on the Community Service Committee. He particularly enjoyed his time volunteering at Saint Vincent's Villa. After graduating Calvert Hall in 1983 he then went on to continue his education at the University of Richmond. Max graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science and Spanish in 1987. While at UR, he participated in rugby and the marketing society. After college, Max returned home to Baltimore where he began pursuing his MBA in Marketing at Loyola University, graduating in 1993.

In his professional career, Max held roles at Provident Bank, BG&E, and CAM Construction, but one of his greatest passions was coaching tennis. Tennis wasn't just a sport he loved to play; it was a game he cherished teaching to others. Max began his coaching journey during his college summers as a tennis pro working in Ohio and later led the Baltimore Tennis Patrons. As a coach, he had a unique ability to put his players at ease, emphasizing the joy of the game rather than the pressure to win. His humorous and approachable personality created a welcoming atmosphere, where players felt comfortable seeking his guidance and asking questions to improve their skills. After stepping away from coaching for a period, Max made a meaningful return to the court, finishing his career assisting the Loyola University Tennis Team. This final chapter brought him immense joy and a deep sense of fulfillment, rekindling his love for the sport and the special bond he shared with his players.

Outside of work, he was an inventor and a marketing consultant, always seeking new challenges and opportunities. Max had an insatiable passion for learning, a quality that defined him throughout his life. From a young age, he was driven by a creative and entrepreneurial spirit, always brimming with fresh ideas and new possibilities. Even in his final days, he could be found sketching out inventive concepts and drafting business plans. One of his proudest achievements was founding his own boxer shorts company, How Ya Hangin?®. He was one to take an idea and bring it to fruition, whether it was drafting his own sketches or writing his own patents. Throughout his career, Max used his entrepreneurial expertise to guide others in starting their own businesses or nonprofits through his company, Max3s.com. He combined his skills in marketing, business, and technology to help clients unlock their full potential and achieve success.

He cherished his times at Hillendale Country Club as a member from childhood playing golf and tennis and participating on the club's swim team. He also worked out at the Maryland Athletic Club for many years where members fondly referred to him as the "Mayor". Max also loved being on the water. He particularly enjoyed his time at the family's beloved South River house swimming, fishing, and windsurfing. He especially found joy in vacationing with family and friends in the Dominican Republic and the Outer Banks.

Max was known for his boundless energy and outgoing nature. With his friendly and upbeat demeanor, he was often the life of the party, making everyone feel welcome. He had a remarkable gift for making friends wherever he went, never hesitating to strike up a conversation with a stranger. One of Max's greatest qualities was his humor — he was a true comedian who loved making people laugh, whether through his hilarious stories or his ability to poke fun at himself.

Max embraced the adventure of life, always eager to push himself to new limits. His playful antics sometimes resulted in injury, earning him the nickname "Maxident," and leaving behind a trove of memorable and funny stories. Inspired by one of his unconventional role models, Evel Knievel, he lived by the quote, "If it is possible, it has been done. If it is impossible, it will be done." This mindset led him to pursue new hobbies and dreams fearlessly. One such passion was windsurfing — he bought the windsurfer before knowing how to use it, and learned by trying, falling off, and always getting back up. Giving up on a dream was simply not in his nature, and he inspired others to do the same.

Max often said his goal was to help at least five people every day and to receive five genuine "Thank you, Max" responses in return. He had a true passion for helping others, offering his support freely and without hesitation, even to those he didn't know well. With a wide range of self-taught skills, Max became a reliable go-to for countless friends and family members. Whether you needed help with your home, your computer, your business, or simply some advice, he was the kind of person who would drop everything to be there for you. His generosity and willingness to lend a hand were a testament to his kind and giving spirit.

Max's love for his family was one of the defining aspects of his life. He cherished his Dominican roots, spending summers in the Dominican Republic with his cousins, where he fully immersed himself in the vibrant food, culture, and music. Despite the distance, he maintained strong bonds with his extended family in the D.R., staying closely connected throughout his life. Max's devotion to his parents, Rafael and Emma, and his two older sisters, Margery and Diane, was unshakeable. Their childhood may have been filled with playful competition, but their deep love for one another always prevailed. Max shared a deep and special bond with his parents, enjoying rounds of tennis and golf together throughout the years. His father, Rafael, was more than just a parent; he was Max's best man at his wedding, a true reflection of their incredible closeness. Later in life, when his parents moved south to Hilton Head, SC, Max made it a priority to call his mother every day, a small but meaningful gesture that spoke volumes about his love and devotion.

As Max's own family grew, he embraced the role of a loving father to his children, Maximillian Jr. and Caroline, creating countless treasured memories with them. His love for them was unwavering, and he found joy in every shared adventure and moment together. Max also had a special place in his heart for his dogs, especially his loyal companion, Max III. His warmth, devotion, and endless pride and affection for his family were evident to all who knew him and will forever be remembered.

A memorial gathering will be held at Eagle's Nest Country Club at 12pm on Friday, November 15th. In true Max fashion, guests are encouraged to wear casual, colorful attire (preferably blues and greens) — Hawaiian shirts are strongly encouraged. Please bring your favorite Max story to share and celebrate his vibrant life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Boys Hope Girls Hope of Baltimore at www.bhghbaltimore.org and Beyond Borders "Operation Mato Grosso".