John A. Fernandez, Sr.

Fernandez, John A., Sr. (Jack) 93, passed away at his home on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, after battling lung cancer. He was born August 21, 1921 in New York City, raised in Jersey City , and is preceded in death by Margaret (Peggy) Fernandez, his loving wife and mother of his four children. Dad is survived by his daughter Barbara (John) Bloss, son Jack (Sandy), son Scott (Melissa), and daughter Peggy Ann (Allan) Connolly; 20 grandchildren: David (Kimberly), Jeff (Char), Cheryl (Tim), Linda (Jimmy), Marty, John (Amy), Brandon (Belinda), Stephanie (Nick), Kelli (Daryn), Kevin, Marcus, Macy; 15 great grandchildren, John David, Maria, Harlan, Michael, Amber, Victoria, Hailey, Carrie, Joanna, John, Oliveah, Brandon Antonio, and Austin. Preceded in death: great-grandchildren, Joy and Grace. Also survived by his older brother, Dennis Fernandez. As a Sargent in the Army Air Corps in Denver, Colorado, dad met his future bride and married her on December 26, 1942, after knowing her for only 19 days. They shared 68 wonderful years of marriage, living in Colorado, California, Puerto Rico, New York, Guam and Florida. Spanning over 42 years, Dad was a director for Pan American World Airways in the Caribbean, Florida, New York, Guam and the Micronesia Islands. During his tenure with Pan Am, dad traveled to Latin America, Canada, Europe, most of the U.S., and many of the islands in the Pacific. He retired from Pan Am in 1982, as director of the Philippines, moved to Orlando, Florida and continued to enjoy traveling with mom. Dad was Head Usher for the 8:45 a.m. Sunday mass for most of his 31 years at Holy Family Catholic Church; instrumental in establishing the duties of the usher, including the dress code, performance of their duties, and making the service special. Prior to that, he was involved with many various civic organizations, sports and boys scouts. Our dad touched many lives; as his children, we continue to learn from him and his legacy will continue on in all our hearts. He will be dearly missed and we will love him longer than forever. Memorial service at Holy Family Catholic Church at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 25th. In lieu of flowers, memorials to cancer or heart foundations.