SOMERSET – Joaquim “Jack” Fernandes, (written in his own words) age 64, of Somerset, formerly a longtime resident of Fall River, passed into eternal peace on December 31, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Nancy (Freitas) Fernandes, with whom he has said to have been blessed, by her lifelong love, support and understanding, which allowed him to achieve and live a life of fulfillment. Born in Fall River, he was the son of the late Manuel and Eva (Vasconcellos) Fernandes. In addition to his wife, he is also survived by a daughter, Renee Cabral (husband Paul) of Fall River and a son Joaquim “Jay” Fernandes, also of Somerset, three grandchildren; Tyler Sirois, Teyla Sirois and Ella Cabral, all of Fall River, along with one great-granddaughter, Evelyn Almeida-Sirois. He is also survived by three brothers; Ronald (wife Lorraine) of Swansea, Michael (wife Donna) of Westport, and David Fernandes of Fall River. Three sisters; Elaine Medeiros, Elizabeth Pereira and Ruth Fernandes all of Fall River; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Manuel and Thomas Fernandes.
A diehard New England sports fan his whole life, he enjoyed watching all four major sports teams. He endured the lean years during the late 1970 thru the 90’s, but really enjoyed the Celtics run of the 60’s, along with the success, since the turn of the century, by the Bruins, Red Sox, Celtics an of course the unprecedented run of the Patriots. He also played in numerous baseball, basketball and hockey leagues while growing up in Fall River, including Maplewood baseball and Fall River Scholarship Softball Leagues. He also coached the 1983 Round Robin Championship Bombers at the Columbus Little League, along with the Championship 1994 SIBL Shetland Division’s Unified Travel Team, which won the New England Regional Tourney in Worcester, MA.
Sandwiched around his combined 50 years of Military and Firefighting Service to the country, state and community and after learning the carpentry skills from his dad, Jack worked 15 years for Frank Kubik Contractor building and remodeling custom homes, in the Acoaxet section of Westport, MA. He finished his working career as a CDL driver for Horner Millwork in Somerset, MA choosing to devote more time to enjoy his loving family and relaxation, which he said he earned.
Jack attended Durfee HS Class of 74’ with out graduation, but would later follow up to achieve his Bachelor Degree in Fire Science 40 years later. After entering military service in 1976, he retired as the First Sergeant, from Company C 101st Engineers, out of Bridgewater MA, after almost 27 years. Awards and recognitions included…
- Letter of Appreciation, Westport Board of Selectmen for actions, as Military Liaison to the town and directing cleanup and restoration efforts, in aftermath of Hurricane “BOB”.
- Golden Shovel Plaque” of Appreciation, Town of Middleboro for actions, directing Military assets in the completion of the “Field of Dreams” Sports Complex.
- Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Twice Awarded the Army Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Ribbon with star for numerous deployments following natural disasters, along with multiple Letters of Commendation for outstanding service and performance.
As a 23 year veteran of the Fall River Fire Department, he received commendations from Fall River City Council and Board of Fire Commissioner, for the off duty actions to save a life. He served as a Board Member and Secretary of the International Association of Firefighters Local 1314. In the aftermath of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, he organized and led a local “Fill-the-boot” fundraising effort which, thanks to the generosity of the public, raised over $56,000 in only 8 hours, to benefit the victims of the attack.
Jack’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all of the nurses and staff on St. Catherine’s Unit and the ICU at St. Anne’s Hospital who cared for Jack with gentleness and love during his stay.
Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate a mass of Christian burial at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 10 A.M. on Friday, Jan 8th. Interment in Oak Grove Cemetery. Calling hours on Thursday, Jan 7th from 4-7 P.M. Arrangements are under the direction of the Manuel Rogers Funeral Home, Fall River. We ask for your patience as you may need to wait to come in to pay your respects. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Veterans Association or to the Veterans Kitchen of Fall River. To send the family Expressions of Sympathy, please go to www.rogersfuneral.com.