Fernando Manuel Rodrigues was born on June 11, 1949, and is survived by his wife of 55 years, Laura Rodrigues of Hanford; 4 children: Eric, Isabel, Lina, and Paul; 15 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.
He was born in Lisbon Portugal and grew up in Faial, Acores, where he played semi-professional soccer for Club Athletico before serving in the Portuguese colonial war. His battalion motto was, “Action not words”.
Fernando migrated to New Bedford, Massachusetts where he lived with his wife and children before moving to Hanford in 1988.
He worked for both Hanford school districts but retired from Hanford Elementary School where he worked as a bus mechanic and bus driver for many years.
He passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026, at home in the presence of his beloved wife and family.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church (10435 Hanford Armona Rd, Hanford, CA 93230) with Graveside Service to follow at Hanford Cemetery (10500 S 10th Ave, Hanford, CA 93230).
