Francis Fernandez

Francis Xavier Fernandez, of Saint Charles, MO, Fortified with the sacraments of Holy Mother church on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the age of 84. Beloved husband of the late Mary Ann (nee: Leeker) Fernandez; cherished son of the late Angel and Juanita (nee: Allen) Fernandez; devoted father of Thomas (Roberta) Fernandez, Stephen (Marjorie) Fernandez, Sheri (Jeffrey) Petruso and Angela (Timothy) Frese; loving grandfather of Matthew (Danielle) Fernandez, Brendan Fernandez, Kaylie Fernandez, Corey Fernandez, Kameron Mitchell, Kaleb Mitchell, Anthony Petruso, Elizabeth Petruso, Johnathan Petruso, Austin Frese, Tristan Frese and Abigail Frese; treasured great-grandfather of Eliza Fernandez and James Fernandez; dear brother of Ronald (the late Nancy) Fernandez, Christopher Fernandez, the late Kenneth (the late Margaret) Fernandez and the late Dennis (the late Marge) Fernandez.

Francis had a natural gift for making everyone feel at ease, never meeting a stranger. His warm personality and great sense of humor endeared him to all who knew him in all areas of his life. Whether joking to lighten the mood or making the priorities of his loved ones his own, he was deeply involved in the lives of his family and friends. 

He was married to his loving wife, Mary Ann, for 45 years and cherished her every day even after her passing continuing to celebrate their anniversary each year. She was the love of his life, and he is probably dancing with her right now. 

He was a proud graduate of St. Mary’s High School class of 1958 and continued his education at St. Louis University, where he majored in philosophy and accounting achieving a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce in 1965. Francis also loved his country and in 1963 joined the MO Air National Guard, 131st Combat Support Squadron serving 6 years, joining his brothers, Ronald, Kenneth, and Dennis which grew to become a family tradition. Francis has a varied background of experiences as he took in all that life had to offer. He was a boxer, won dance contests, played high school football, was an avid dashboard drummer and held various jobs. He worked for the City of St. Louis, Banquet Foods, Rockwell International and Sabreliner Corporation. As a systems programmer and analyst, he was at the start of the IT era. He may have found his true calling when he became a dedicated substitute teacher with the Orchard Farm school district for over a decade. Francis found fulfillment in teaching book knowledge and life lessons, having a lasting impact on many students.

He was an active father and grandfather being an influential and supportive factor of whatever his children’s and grandchildren’s interests were. He coached many CYC teams and became a hockey coach with St. Louis Amateur Hockey league. Whether discussing wrestling, watching sporting events or theatrical performances, “Grandpa Fran” was cheering them on with pride and constantly offering encouragement. Known for his ability to find the right words for any situation, Francis touched lives wherever he went. He especially enjoyed spending time with his brothers, the "Fernandez Brothers," and kept an open-door policy in his driveway, welcoming anyone who wanted to stop by for a chat. He loved Dad’s root beer and grilling “Frannie Wannie” burgers for the family. He also had a deep love for the St. Louis Cardinals, proudly supporting his team even while combating his health issues in the hospital but also wearing his St. Louis City soccer hat throughout his stay. 

A devoted Catholic, he and Mary Ann were long time parishioners of Our Lady of Loretto parish and members of the St. Christopher prayer group. They taught and passed on the role, importance and meaning of true faith to their family. Francis relied on the following scripture during the challenges of the last 3 months of his life, “do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)

Francis will be remembered for his approachable, sociable nature and his giving heart. True to his nature, he will continue to help others by being a tissue donor through the Mid-America Transplant organization with the potential of helping improve the lives of 20-30 people.

He will always be known as a Father/Grandfather figure to all who had the pleasure to meet him as that was his genuine reciprocal nature. He was a kind and responsible man who always found the good in every situation and in others, saying “There’s always something to celebrate”. His parting words to those who loved him would be to keep living, keep laughing, and trust God in between followed by “I got a good joke to tell ya’…”

Francis was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Memorials may be made in Francis's name to Birthright St. Charles & SLOCA – St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness.