Celebration of Life

In Loving Memory of

Ferdinand Fernandez 1952 - 2023

Dec. 29th 2023

Let Me Go (by Christina Rossetti)



When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom filled room

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not for long

And not with your head bowed low

Remember the love that once we shared

Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take

And each must go alone.

It's all part of the master plan

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart

Go to the friends we know. Laugh at all the things we used to do

Miss me, but let me go.

Photo Gallery1

Photo Gallery 2

Hello everyone I am Elbert Zeigler. The guy with the camera at this Celebration of Life for Freddy Fernandez, we were like brothers. Our chapter of life together was before many of you were around. These are things I wanted to say to you on that day we shared together.

 Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring him home to you again.

We've all shared our lives these many years. Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength. My heart is with you in your time of sorrow. Wishing you peace and strength during this difficult time. May the sorrow you feel in your heart lighten by the love that surrounds you.”

 Fred and I talked about the moment when one of us would pass away.  He was always Frank and direct.  He said if I pass away let the family and friends come and mourn but afterwards let's celebrate and have one last good time together, and I agreed that's what I wanted for me to and here we are now to celebrate his life together.

Some of the young folks here that did not know him so well asked me what was Freddy like. Well to put it all in a nut shell, to be frank and direct, or short and sweet. Freddy was very deep and philosophical.

 Freddy was a superhero of sorts like Captain America, Daredevil, the Iron Man, Doctor Strange, and the Trouble Man, all rolled into one. You know what I mean, you know all of these superheroes except for maybe the trouble man played by Robert hooks.

 Whenever someone had a problem, they could not handle they would call the trouble man Mr. T to get his people out of their troubles. That’s who Freddy was.  I'm sure there are some in this room and many others that needed his services and he helped you get to safe shores in their times of need or despair. Sometimes he did these types of things for strangers who were deserving and in need also. Fred would celebrate with you when the times were good also.

Despite time and distance came between us whenever we saw each other it was like it was yesterday. Freddy and Gladys did a superb job in raising three wonderful children Gladys, Fredy, and Vida. To make a long story short, I became a part of this remarkable family and I love you all dearly.

Elbert L. Zeigler