for over a quarter century before embarking on a successful and accomplished federal civil service career for over another quarter century. He sent three children to college, graduate school and beyond.
From Balogo Centro, Binmaley, Pangasinan, Philippines, he was born to Patricio and Maxima Fernandez, the second eldest of seven siblings and matriculated to Far Eastern University before his selection by the U.S. Navy. He immigrated to the United States with his spouse, Josefina Fernandez, in 1964 with everything they owned in a single suitcase. Though his deployments sent him worldwide, he built his house and made his home in Jacksonville, Florida where he retired and continued his community service at the Mayo Clinic where he was awarded and recognized as one of its longest serving patient advocate volunteers.
A longtime member of various Filipino and American veteran and cultural organizations, he most enjoyed celebrating life with his wife, children and grandson and was an avid bingo enthusiast with a keen interest in the Biblical and spiritual and a boundless capacity to forgive.
He is survived by his grandson, Raphael Arenas Fernandez; his daughters, Merlyna and Joge Fernandez and Jennifer Anderson; and his sons, Al Anderson and Ferman Fernandez.
A visitation for Gerry will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11665 Fort Caroline Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225. A mass of christian burial will occur Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM, 11665 Fort Caroline Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225. A committal service will occur Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 SAN JOSE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddenschapelhills.com for the Fernandez family.
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