Obituary of Fernando Fernandez

Fernando Fernandez

July 4, 1935 ~ September 27, 2024 (age 89)

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts, that we announce the passing of the most kind-hearted man, wonderful father, husband, and extraordinary grandfather. Fernando Fernandez, age 89 of Washington NJ, was a selfless and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Fernando was born on July 4, 1935, in Ourense, Spain located in the province of Galicia. He was raised by his loving parents Eladio Fernandez and Carmen Gonzalez (both pre-deceased).

At the age of 12 Fernando, his mother, and sister Nita traveled 30 days by boat to Buenos Aires, Argentina.  Shortly thereafter, his father joined them after receiving an honorable discharge from the military. Fernando grew up in the center of Buenos Aires, surrounded by family.  He worked in the food industry and ran a traditional café with his father and uncles; this is where he picked up his knack for making the best sandwiches and learned an invaluable work ethic.  He loved soccer and his favorite teams where San Lorenzo and Real Madrid.

At his family’s café he met his future wife Pura Mosquera, being that she frequented the location for lunch with her co-workers.  Pura and Fernando married in 1969. They had two daughters Maria Gabriela and Maria Victoria.

Because of the chaos of the Dirty War, in 1977, Fernando, Pura, and their two daughters, immigrated to the United States.  They settled in Washington, NJ near Pura's sister. Later, in 1990 he became a proud citizen of the US, but he never lost his deep-rooted love for his 'Buenos Aires querido'.

Fernando loved his family. He was a supportive and helpful husband. He was an incredibly proud father to his two daughters and was there to lend a helping hand regardless of how old they were. He loved his niece, Alejandra. But the center of his universe was his granddaughter and the love of his life Daniella. The highlight of his life was being her grandfather. He enjoyed making her favorite dishes, his famous Spanish tortilla or milanesas and doting on her constantly. He helped care for Daniella during the first six months of her life, selflessly taking a train from Hackettstown to Clifton and spending three nights a week away from his wife (who was still working) to change diapers, feed and play with his granddaughter and help his daughter cook some meals after she returned to work. Whenever he was around Daniella, he beamed brighter than the sun. 

Fernando is survived by his wife, Pura, his daughter Maria Gabriela and her daughter Daniella, his daughter Maria Victoria and her husband Larry, his sister Nita and her husband Jorge, his niece Alejandra and her husband Fernando, as well as his sister-in-law Sara her husband Manuel and their children Pablo and Luis and their wives and kids. He is also survived by countless family members in Argentina and Spain who adore him.

Services for Fernando will be held privately by his family under the care of Knoll-DeVoe Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Washington NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations in Fernando's name may be made to the American Lung Association, Please Click Here to Donate