Bernardo "Bernie" Fernandez

Bernardo "Bernie" Fernandez, 80, of Ontario passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2017 at Ontario Avita Hospital. He was born on September 3, 1937 in El Paso, Texas. He was the beloved son of the late Juan and Manuela (Ortiz) Fernandez.

Bernie, affectionately referred to as "Pops" by his children, was a kind, loving, generous, quiet man who always was taking care of others. He attended Jefferson High School and was employed at F.E.M.A for 28 years as a Logistics Chief. He served professionally in the United States Air Force for twenty years. Bernie was a sports fan and enjoyed the Buckeyes and was a hopeful Cleveland Browns fan but his favorite was coaching his children. He enjoyed playing basketball in high school and in the Air Force, tending his vegetable garden, traveling, going on cruises and was known to have a beautiful voice that his wife greatly enjoyed listening to him sing, and he loved his beloved dog, Pepe. He was a member of St. Mary of the Snows Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Air Force Sergeant Association.

Bernie is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Delores (Hunter) Fernandez; three sons, Bernardo "Bernie" (Margot) Fernandez Jr. of Mansfield, Tony (Lisa) Fernandez of Ontario, and John Fernandez of Los Angeles, California; three grandchildren, Anthony (Sarah) Fernandez Jr. of Mansfield, Elizabeth Fernandez of Chicago, and Brian Fernandez of Akron; great-granddaughter, Becca; brothers, Tony (Hortencia) Fernandez and Reynaldo (Grace) Fernandez both of El Paso, Texas and Eddie (Feli) Fernandez of Midland-Odessa, Texas; sisters, Naomi Brady and Elvia (Louis) Snivley both of El Paso, Texas; brothers-in-law, William (Connie) Hunter and Robert (Bonnie) Hunter; many nieces, nephews and other relatives; and special friends, Robert and Patricia Bolk of Virginia and Krista Schnerer of Mansfield. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Francisco, Javier, and John Fernandez; his sister, Delia Muro; and a sister-in-law, Kathy Roberts.

Family and friends may visit from 4-8pm on Friday, December 1, 2017 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Father Nelson Beaver at 10:30am on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at St. Mary of the Snows Catholic Church, 1630 Ashland Road Mansfield, Ohio. Burial will take place at Mansfield Memorial Park with military honors. Memorial contributions can be made to the family in care of Wappner Funeral Directors.