Manuel "Jivey" Fernandes, Jr., 90, of New Bedford died October 27, 2023, at Our Lady's Haven peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.
He was the husband of Ilene (Valles) Fernandes. Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Manuel and Rose (Martin) Fernandes, he resided in New Bedford all his life.
He was formerly employed as a merchant mariner with Texaco for many years until his retirement. He received the Meritorious Safety Award from the American Petroleum Institute for courageously saving a co-worker’s life that fell overboard. He served in the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne Division during the Korean War. He was a member of the Inaugural Guard for President Eisenhower’s inauguration.
He enjoyed bowling, cooking, Country and Western movies and playing the lottery. He was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Boston Red Sox.
He was a proud member of the Cape Verdean-American Veterans Association, Cape Verdean Ultramarine Band Club and Young Cape Verdean Athletic Club.
Survivors include his wife; 3 sons, Manuel Fernandes, III and his wife Nancy, Ross Fernandes and his wife Jaime, all of New Bedford and Jeffrey Silva of Acushnet; 4 daughters, Jean Silva of New Bedford, June Wilkes and her husband Gerald of North Carolina, Doreen Oliveira and her husband Joe of New Bedford and Dyan Violet of Dartmouth; a sister, Victoria "Queenie" Gebo of Florida; 18 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.
He was the father of the late Steven Fernandes and Jan Marie Silva and the brother of the late Leroy "Peanut" Fernandes.
A very special thank you to Melissa Amaral and the New England Hospice team for their continuous support and care.
His Funeral will be held on Thursday, November 2nd at 8 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 9 AM. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, November 1st from 4-7 PM.