Joao L. “Pica Pau” Fernandes, age 69 of Fall River, passed away Jan. 7, 2012. He was the beloved husband of the late Maria J. (Medeiros) Fernandes. Born in Santa Clara, Sao Miguel, Azores, he was the son of the late Antonio & Maria S. (Pimental) Fernandes. Prior to retiring, Mr. Fernandes worked for more than 30 years as a Machine Operator for the former Joan Fabrics, then Main Textiles of Fall River. He was a parishioner of Santo Christo Church and a veteran of the Portuguese Army.
Mr. Fernandes had the biggest, compassionate heart and devotion to his family. He devoted 13 years as the primary caregiver to his sick wife. Mr. Fernandes played professional soccer for 9 years with the Santa Clara, Sao Miguel Soccer Team, and then when he came to Fall River, he joined the Fall River Sports Club Soccer team. He followed the Benfica Soccer team, international politics, loved nature, dogs & cats, bird watching at the beach with his daughter Sue, and visiting the zoo. Mr. Fernandes was a very Spiritual & Faithful man, reading the Holy Bible every day.
Mr. Fernandes is survived by his two daughters: Susan Mello (husband Glenn), Linda Janeiro, and his beloved granddaughter: Shaylin McKenna Janeiro all of Fall River; his siblings: Antonio Fernandes & Antero Raposo, both of Fall River, Francisco Raposo of Portsmouth, RI, Maria E. Machado & Maria C. Pedro, both of Newport, RI; several nieces & nephews.
His funeral will take place from the MANUEL ROGERS & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 1521 N. Main St., Fall River on WEDNESDAY at 9:00 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Santo Christo Church at 10:00 A.M. Interment in Notre Dame Cemetery. Calling hours TUESDAY 4-8 P.M.