John Fernandes, 66
Dateline: Norton, MA
Joao “John” Fernandes, 66, of Norton died on Tuesday March 11, 2008 at the Sturdy memorial Hospital in Attleboro. He was the beloved husband of Maria C. (Teixeira) Fernandes to whom he was wed to on July 11, 1970.
Born in Madeira Island, Portugal on April 11, 1941 he was a son of the late Geraldo and Maria (Rodrigues) Fernandes
Educated in Portugal he moved to the United States at age 18 and settled in Norton. Mr. Fernandes was the owner of the former John’s Fruitland on Taunton Ave. in Norton, a business he ran with his family for 10 years before retiring. He was the former founder along with his brother Agostinho of the Chartley Country Stores and had also been employed at the former Fernandes Supermarkets. His latest endeavor was real estate investments
A communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Norton, John was also a proud honorary member of the Norton VFW where he enjoyed participating in the Tuesday night card tournaments.
An avid fisherman, he especially enjoyed bottom fishing down the cape with his sons and grandson and would always land the biggest catch of the day. His other pleasures included Portuguese Christmas caroling and sharing the tasteful wines he made with his friends.
John’s family always came first and he always looked forward to spending Wednesday nights enjoying home cooked meals with his family and playing dominoes. He had anxiously anticipated the birth of his first granddaughter Avery. He had made his home in Norton for the past 48 years.
In addition to his beloved wife of over 37 years, he is survived by his devoted sons; David J. Fernandes and his wife Andrea of Norton, Daniel M. Fernandes and his wife Amanda of Norton and John C. Fernandes and his wife Alicia also of Norton. He was the brother of Jose Fernandes of Norton, Maria Pestana of Norton, Rosa Rodriques of Madeira Island, Portugal, Agostinho Fernandes of Norton and the late Geraldo Fernandes, also surviving are his cherished grandson Jesse Fernandes of Norton, his many nieces and nephews and his best friends “Rascal” and Milka.
His funeral, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Saturday March 15th at 9:00 A.M. from the Norton Memorial Funeral Home 19 Clapp St. Norton followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated at 10:00 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church, South Worcester St. Norton. Burial will follow in the Timothy Plain Cemetery, Norton.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday March 14th from 5-8 P.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home.
For additional information please visit www.nortonmemorial.com