Franco Michel Hernandez, a cherished husband, son, brother, and friend, passed away at his home in South Boston, on December 8, 2025, at the age of 35. Born on June 25, 1990, in Paradera, Aruba, Franco emanated kindness and was a light to every one he met.
He was the beloved husband and soulmate of David S. Buczak of South Boston.
Growing up on a Caribbean island focused on tourism, Franco developed a love for aviation and travel. After high school, he attended and graduated from Colegio EPI for Hospitality and Tourism. From there he worked in various tourism related jobs before landing a job related to his true passion, aviation. He began his airport career as a passenger service agent at the Reina Beatrix Airport in Oranjestad, Aruba. After meeting his husband, his career and life moved to the United States where he continued as a passenger service agent at Boston’s Logan International Airport. In addition to working in travel, Franco loved to travel. His explorations brought him to multiple continents including Europe, North America, South America, and Australia. Franco’s varied travel experiences ranged from the visiting two European blue lagoons in both Malta and Iceland to hiking Kalalua and Mount Christoffel.
Although his origins were based in Aruba, Franco became a true Bostonian. He would proudly don his green Southie sweatshirt at the St. Patrick’s day parade; celebrate Pride in the South End; and became an unlikely fan of the Boston Bruins, given he didn’t grow up with the sport. Perfecting his English with his Boston family, his natural pronunciation in English included dropping the “R”.
Franco was a self confessed Disney adult. He and his husband made multiple trips a year to Disney World and Disneyland. He also had a passion for tennis and beach tennis. He participated multiple times in the Aruba Beach Tennis Open. He was an aficionado and frequent spectator at ATP tennis tournaments such as the US Open and Australian Open.
Franco packed a thousand life experiences in an abbreviated time. And his memory will forever be etched in the hearts of the people who loved him.
In addition to his husband, Franco is predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Mary Hernandez of Paradera, Aruba; his sister, Zaindra Hernandez of Paradera, Aruba; his second mother Donna Buczak of Billerica, his sister Deborah Lorenzo of Billerica, and his sister Patricia Casalini of Tewksbury.
A private ceremony will be held for Franco at St. Michael Cemetery’s Chapel in Boston, followed by internment at Mount Hope Cemetery in Boston. In remembrance of Franco, we invite you to consider a donation to the MGH Cancer Center.