Cortes, Hernan, 68, of Valrico passed away on Friday, February 17, 2012. Born in Santa Clara, Cuba; Hernan had been a local resident since 1973 after moving here from Houston, Texas. Catholic by faith, he was a Chemical Engineer and a member of the AICHE, a 1967 graduate of LSU; he held a Master's Degree from USF and was an avid LSU football fan. Survivors include his loving wife of 44 years, Marta, son Robert of Winston-Salem, N.C.; daughter, Jacqueline (Joe) Searcy of Carmel, Indiana; brother, Roger Cortes of Bronson, Florida; and his granddaughter, Isabella Searcy. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at Serenity Meadows Funeral home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at Serenity Meadows at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Serenity Meadow Memorial Park.