Obituary of Jose Fernandes

Mr. José Fernandes, 92, a longtime resident of Peabody, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2017, in the comforting presence of his family. Born in Murganheira, Portugal on April 1, 1925, and son of the late José and Idalina Fernandes, he moved to the United States at age 20 where he was employed at Pequot Mills, numerous leather companies, and finally at Maynard Plastics Company. José was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who dedicated his life and his hard work to his family. He is survived by his loving and caring wife, Julia, with whom he shared 70 years of marriage. Additionally, he is survived by his two sons, Joseph Fernandes, and his wife Sue Lyons Fernandes of Peabody, MA and John Fernandes and his wife Jean Keeffe Fernandes of Beverly, MA. He is also survived by his two grandaughters Joanna Fernandes, and her husband, Christian Hansen, of Newburyport, MA, and Kristen Fernandes and her fiancé, Ryan McNamara, of Chicago, IL. Nash Fernandes Hansen of Newburyport, MA was José’s only, and a very special, great grandchild. José found such happiness in spending his later years outdoors, especially in his own yard, where he tended his vegetable and flower gardens, and spent memorable time with family and friends. It was José's appreciation of life’s simple pleasures and his love of the outdoors that brought him joy. He was most happy engaging in home projects, and helping his sons with theirs. Whether it was building a patio, planting a flower garden, or cutting the lawn on a riding mower, any home or landscaping project became his hobby. Sharing these times with his sons, and contributing his knowledge and skills to home projects, was what he most enjoyed. José was also a long-standing member of the Club Luis de Camoes where he enjoyed playing cards with members. He was one of the oldest living members of this Club. A visitation will be held on Friday, August 18, 2017 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn Street, Peabody, MA. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for a Memorial Service on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by José’s burial at St. Mary Cemetery, Salem, MA. Contributions may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association, 3005th Ave., Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451 in his memory. For guestbook and directions visit www.ccbfuneral.com.