Pedro Alfonso Fernandez

Known warmly as Alfonso to relatives and as “Pop” to those who loved him most, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy of faith, family, hard work, and quiet strength.

Pop was born in Bogotá, Colombia. As a young man, he served in the Colombian Merchant Marine, traveling the world and seeing more than most would see in a lifetime. He spoke little of those experiences, but perhaps they helped shape the way he approached the rest of his life—with perseverance, humility, curiosity, and a steadfast belief in the values he held dear.

In the early 1960s, he came to New York, where he built a new life through hard work and determination. A millworker by trade, he spent his career providing for his family and ultimately retired as a member of the Carpenters Union. Following his retirement, he and his family relocated to Florida.

Above all else, Pop was a man of deep faith. He honored Our Lord in all things and remained humble and unwavering in his belief in an all-knowing and loving God. His faith was not something he simply spoke about; it was something he lived every day.

He was also a romantic at heart. He loved listening to ballads and, throughout 66 years of marriage, made sure his beloved wife, Olga, knew how much he loved her. He told her so every day. In doing so, he quietly showed his children and grandchildren what love, devotion, and commitment were supposed to look like.

As the patriarch of his family, Pop worked tirelessly to provide for those he loved. As a father, he guided his children with wisdom and taught them the importance of dedication, responsibility, and honest work. “Work was God’s gift to sustain your needs,” he would say.

Family life centered around the dinner table. Dinner was served at 4:45 p.m. every day, and everyone was expected to be there. Pop led the family in a prayer of thanksgiving before the meal. Perhaps his greatest reward at the end of each day was simply looking around that table, seeing his family together, and knowing they were safe and cared for.

Some of the family’s most cherished memories are the simple ones: days together at Great Adventure, Jones Beach, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, ice skating at Kissena Park, and family outings to the Botanical Garden. The many photographs filling family albums are more than memories of places visited; they are a testament to a lifetime spent together.

Pop spoke softly, but his character spoke loudly. He did not seek recognition or praise. He was respected by those who knew him and helped people in his community without expecting anything in return. His strength came from his faith, his convictions, and his devotion to his family.

He was a great man and an even greater husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

After 66 years of marriage, Pop is survived by his beloved wife, Olga; their six children; 19 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. His greatest legacy is not measured by what he accumulated during his 92 years, but by the family he built, provided for, prayed with, taught, and loved.

We take comfort in believing that one day we will all meet again around the dinner table. At the head of that table will be Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This time, Pop will be there waiting for us—and time will no longer matter.

We love you, Pop, and we miss you more than words can say. Your faith, your lessons, your quiet strength, and your love will remain with us always.

At the request of Pop and Mom, all services will be private and reserved for family members only.