Jose Fernandez
January 4, 1945 – December 23, 2022
It is with heavy hearts that we annouce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Jose, after a lengthy illness. He passed away at home surrounded by his family.
Jose is survived by his loving and devoted wife Sharon, children Natalia and Andrew, sister Rosa Fernandez, brothers in law Bill (Isobel) Dell, Romano Cernjul, nephews Chris (Lesley) Dell and family, Mark (Sarah) Cernjul and family, nieces Alana (Scott) Cernjul and Ashley Dell. Jose was predeceased by his parents Balbina and Emilio Fernandez, in laws Nicholas and Mary Dell, sister in law Carol Cernjul and nephew Brian Dell.
Born in Madrid, Spain, Jose lived an adventurous life. He was a proud member of the U-19 Real Madrid futbol club and loved recalling soccer stories. Leaving Spain at an early age, he went to Germany where he lived and worked for five years. From there, his path took him to Iceland where he spent many years working on a fishing boat. In 1970, on a trip to Toronto, Jose met his wife Sharon. They were married in 1976 and enjoyed 46 years together, raising their two children, Natalia and Andrew.
Jose was an active member of the Spanish Community in Toronto. He was a founding member of the Spanish Congress of Canada, Las Flores Charitable Organization and became the President of the Club Hispano. While in Toronto, Jose was employed by Bell Canada and transferred to Thunder Bay in 1989. He loved sports and enjoyed coaching soccer. When not behind the bench, Jose was an “enthusiastic and colourful” spectator at all of his children’s sports games, dance and piano recitals.
Jose enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved to travel and he shared that love with his family. He was always seen on the dance floor at any party. He will be dearly missed by his family and many close friends in Thunder Bay, Toronto and Spain.
A sincere thank you to the first responders: Thunder Bay Police Services, Thunder Bay Fire Department and EMS for their quick response, care and compassion. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Kevin Miller, Dr. L. Mozzon, Dr. J. Granton (Toronto General), Dr. E. Melton, Bayshore Home Care and the Palliative Nursing Team.
A service celebrating Jose’s life will be held on Saturday, December 31, at 12pm, at Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, with Msgr. Pat Stilla officiating. The service will be livestreamed via the Sargent & Son Facebook page.
Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the CNIB Guide Dog Program in Jose’s memory are greatly appreciated.
Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.sargentandson.com.
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We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jose Fernandez Friday December 23rd 2022 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
sargent and son funeral directors
Death notice for the town of: THUNDER-BAY, Province: Ontario