José Fernández

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of José Fernández, 86, of Severn, Maryland who was sent to his eternal home peacefully in his sleep on 8 June 2025, at home in Severn, Md., leaving a void his family cannot fill. Born in 1938, in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, José was the beloved son of Felipe Fernández and Trinidad Cruz and was the 7th out of nine children. José is survived and missed by his loving wife of 39 years, Elizabeth; his 2 daughters Jacqueline and Teresa; his son-in-law Timothy Gloo; his 5 sisters Tonia, Delia, Virginia, Sarah, and Damasa; and his 2 brothers Cleto and Jesús, all of whom adored him dearly. In addition, José leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews. He will be forever cherished and remembered by all. José is preceded in death by his parents Felipe and Trinidad; and his brother Ernesto Fernández. José and his siblings were raised on their parent's farm in Bayamón, Puerto Rico where he learned from an early age how to raise livestock, grow crops, and drive various farm vehicles, while attending school. José learned to cook from his mother and sisters. His values, outlook on life, and world views were shaped on that farm. José had many professions throughout his life. He worked as a farmer, a cook, and truck driver for over 40 years. Despite his many responsibilities, José always made time for his family and passions. He graduated High School in Bayamón, Puerto Rico and moved to Miami, Florida in 1958, putting his cooking skills to work as a cook at the Fontainebleau in Miami Beach. In 1960, José moved to Connecticut to work for Consolidated Cigar Corporation in Glastonbury and Portland, which produced broadleaf and shade tobacco for cigars and cigarettes. He drove various farm vehicles, obtained his bus license, and drove a bus, transporting employees to and from Hartford to the tobacco farms. José worked for Consolidated until 1984, when the company began to close its businesses due to a drop in the demand for cigarette products. He then moved to Maryland, where he obtained his CDL license, purchased his own dump truck, and subcontracted with Laurel Sand & Gravel and later Savage Stone LLC., where he hauled material, such as crushed stone and gravel for many of the area's largest concrete and asphalt producers and commercial projects throughout Maryland. José contributed to many significant construction projects in Maryland and retired in 2010. José led a good life. Though he may not have liked being the center of attention, he was a loving, caring, kind, and giving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend who deserves to have his life honored. Outside of work José was dedicated to his family. He loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing and was an excellent cook who embraced his Puerto Rican heritage and hosted killer pig roasts during gatherings with family and friends. José found joy in Borinquén Folk Music and Rock and Roll. He was fond of watching boxing and Western movies. His passing has left a void in the hearts of both his family and friends. The evidence is the deep sorrow and pain in our hearts that we feel from his passing. José is resting in peace in God's loving hands. Our family would like to extend a deep appreciation to Hospice of Chesapeake and to everyone who provided care to José these last few months at home. José chose to be cremated with no memorial service. Family viewing was held privately on 12 June 2025. Cremation was held privately; interment will be held at a later date. José asks that Memorial Contributions be made to: Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001; or online at e-mail: info@alzfdn.org .

José Fernández

July 24, 1938 - June 8, 2025