Dr. Osberto B. Fernandez

It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to a distinguished member of our community, Dr. Osberto B. Fernandez, who passed away on November 29, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Fernandez's departure leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who knew him.

Osberto was born in 1931 in Colon Matanzas, Cuba. In 1965, he fled the communist regime in Cuba with his family. He completed his medical school training in Salamanca, Spain before returning to the United States with his family. Osberto completed his residency in psychiatry at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. In 1979, Osberto moved to the Tampa area and opened the first private psychiatry office in Brandon, FL. In a career spanning several decades, Dr. Fernandez became a respected and beloved figure in the Tampa medical community. His patients revered him for his empathy, compassion, and unwavering commitment to their well-being.

Dr. Fernandez's impact extended beyond the confines of his medical practice. He was actively involved in politics and in the Cuban-American community. He was the first President of the Casa Cuba in Tampa, President of the Cuban Civic Club, President of the Cuban Exile Counsel of Tampa Bay and was a member of the First Hispanic Presbyterian Church. His love for Cuba was apparent in everything he did, and he led various charitable endeavors and used his voice to champion democracy and freedom for Cuba. Friends and family remember his vast knowledge of the history and geography of Cuba and.how he would lovingly share stories and pictures of the country.

Above all else, Osberto was a true family man. Dr. Fernandez leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ramon and Manuela Fernandez and his beloved wife, Mariblanca Fernandez. The passing of Dr. Osberto B. Fernandez leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his memory will endure in the countless lives he touched. His compassion, optimism, and generosity will serve as an enduring inspiration to those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Osberto was survived by his loving children, Margarita Fernandez, Mari (Brian) Fernandez, and Osbert (Emily) Fernandez; his grandchildren Kristina (Ricky) Brock, Jennifer (William) Jolliffe, Nicholas, Gabriella and Alexander Fernandez; his siblings Gilberto (Olga) Fernandez, Haydee Canales and Rosa Fernandez.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Primera-Iglesia Presbiteriana Hispana Church at 2828 W. Kirby St., Tampa, FL 33614.

May Dr. Osberto B. Fernandez rest in eternal peace, and may his contributions to humanity be a beacon for future generations.

A visitation for Dr. Fernandez will be held Monday, December 4, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00AM at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33614 with funeral service beginning at 12PM with committal services to follow at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511.