Alfredo Emilio Fernandez

born in Mariel, Pinar del Rio, Cuba, on June 2, 1931 to Gaston and Dulce Maria (Gonzalez)

Fernandez. He married Olga Solaun Zabala in Havana, Cuba on July 7, 1957.

In 1960, due to concerns about the impending communist regime, Alfredo left Cuba for the

United States with $150 in hopes of finding a job. If he found one, he would bring Olga and their

two children to America. If not, he would return to Cuba.

Once in Jacksonville, he interviewed and got a job offer as a draftsman from Florida Steel. He

took this position even though he had a civil engineering degree from the University of Havana

and five years of engineering experience. In December 1960, he welcomed Olga and their two

children to their new home. In 1964, he passed the Engineering Board’s exam and obtained the

license allowing him to work as a professional engineer. In 1965, he accepted a position as a

structural engineer with Reynolds, Smith, and Hills. He worked for them for 32 years until his

retirement as a vice president, although he continued working for them as a consultant for ten

more years.

Alfredo was a good husband and father who put the needs of his family and friends first. He

was known for his generosity to all including providing support and medicine to his family that

stayed behind in Cuba. Through it all, he spoke of God’s divine providence in guiding his steps

and in providing for him and his family.

Alfredo is survived by his loving wife, Olga of 63 years, daughter Olga (Reagan) Soots, son

Alfredo (Carla) Fernandez, daughter Maria Regina (Cledith) Sanders, son Carlos (Ahlem)

Fernandez and daughter Patricia (Jason) Bennett, twelve grandchildren, and eleven

great-grandchildren including two on the way.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that remembrances be made in the form of donations to

stjude.org.