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Alfred ‘Nene’ Fernandez
Alfred “Nene” Fernandez passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, after a long battle with cancer on Nov. 16, 2017, in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 88.
Alfred “Nene” is survived by his wife of 19 years, Henrietta; his children, Frank Alvarez and wife, Cathy; Diane Bergsneider and husband, Larry; Sylvia Inzunza; and Henry Alvarez and wife, Angella; 13 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews, and close friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Presciliano Fernandez; mother, Anastacia Campos Fernandez; first wife, Frances Fernandez; siblings, Joe Meyer, Margaret Westerdahl, P.C. (Judge) Fernandez, Rudy Fernandez, Ruben Fernandez, and Henry Fernandez.
Alfred “Nene” was born on Feb. 15, 1929 in Superior, Arizona. Having only completed 9th grade he found his success at sea joining the U.S. Navy as a young teenager and later spent the rest of his career as a U.S. Merchant Marine where he was a Navigation Specialist. He was a member of the American Legion, Sailors Union of the Pacific, and Seafarer’s International Union. Alfred “Nene” traveled extensively throughout the world and worked on the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. His main routes were San Francisco to Hawaii and Japan to Australia. He always brought gifts from his many travels.
In 1964 he married Frances Montoya. After moving to San Francisco, Alfred “Nene” and Frances owned and managed a hotel for many years. He took pride in his hotel and always reminisced about his days in San Francisco. After Frances’s passing in 1993, Alfred “Nene” found companionship with Henrietta and they married in 1998. Alfred “Nene” and Henrietta enjoyed going to the casino, spending time with their growing family, and were always on the hunt for the best burger and Margarita in town. Alfred “Nene” had a strong Christian faith which was evident by the love and care he always showed his family and friends.
Services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, at Superior Harvest Church in Superior, Arizona. A viewing is scheduled at 1 p.m., with funeral service at 2 p.m. His final resting place will be at Fairview Cemetery. Immediately following services all are welcomed to attend a reception to celebrate Alfred “Nene’s” life at Los Hermanos banquet room. Condolences may be sent to 206 Palo Fierro Place Superior, Arizona 85173.
Superior Funeral Home is providing exceptional family service. 379 Ray Rd., Superior, AZ 85173. Ph. (520) 689-2692. SuperiorFuneral.com.
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