Daniel Robles Fernandez

Daniel Robles Fernandez passed away on February 5, 2024, following a period of declining health. He was born in Manila, Philippines, on January 3, 1932, to Chief Judge Emilio C. Fernandez Sr. and Damasa Robles. He was the fourth youngest of twelve siblings and was raised following the strict Roman Catholic Faith.

Daniel enlisted in the US Navy in Sangley Point, Philippines, in November 1953. After basic training in San Diego, CA, he trained for Submarine Operations in New London, CT.

Following two years in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, he was then transferred to Brooklyn, NY, where he met his future wife, Alexandra. They were married on October 9, 1959.

His later assignments had him travel to Norfolk, VA, Long Beach, CA, and Washington DC. During the Vietnam War, Dan was deployed to the Military Army Command in Saigon, Vietnam for 13 months from 1969-1970. He once again relocated his young family to NH to be close to his wife’s family. Upon his return from Vietnam, he was assigned to New London, CT for a year; then back to Washington DC from 1971-1973 with his family where they resided in Alexandria, VA.

Towards the end of 1972, Daniel purchased a home for his family in Swanzey, NH. He commuted back and forth from Washington, DC to NH until he retired from Active Duty after 20 years of service at the rank of Chief Petty Officer, (E-7).

Daniel received several awards during his service, including the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V device, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.

Following his retirement, he rejoined his family in NH and worked at American Optical until 1981 as an assembly worker. During this period, he also attended night classes with Hawthorne College and earned his Liberal Arts degree.

Daniel retired for two years and returned to work as a Federal employee in the Finance/Accounting department at Fort Devens, MA, until the base closed in 1995.

Daniel enjoyed his retirement tending to his flower and vegetable gardens, taking meticulous care of his yard, keeping up with current events, and completing the newspaper’s daily crossword puzzle. He also enjoyed spending time with his children, 13 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren and cooking for them.

He will be greatly missed by many, especially his children: daughter Eva DeSalvo of Gainesville, FL, sons Noel of San Antonio, TX, Paul of Swanzey, NH, and also daughters Mary Clancy of New Smyrna Beach, FL and Kathryn LaBelle of Swanzey, NH.

Daniel was a faithful parishioner of St. Bernard Church and donations may be made in his memory to St. Bernard Church c/o Parish of the Holy Spirit, 173 Main St, Keene, NH 03431.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for Daniel and Alexandra on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Bernard Church, 185 Main Street, Keene. Burial with committal prayers and Navy honors will be bestowed on Alexandra and Daniel following the funeral mass at the St. Joseph Cemetery, Lower Main Street, Keene.