Antonio "Tony" Manuel Fernandes

Antonio "Tony" Manuel Fernandes

Tony M. Fernandes, age 89, passed away on April, 3, 2021, surrounded by his family.  Tony was born in Tipton on June 17, 1931 to Frank and Geneva (Rocha) Fernandes, and was the sixth of ten children.  He attended Tipton Elementary School and Tulare Union High School. Tony was required to work the family farm with his brothers and his horse (Duke) until he left home to serve in the Navy.  Tony served in the Korean War on the USS Natchaug and received the Korean Service Ribbon (1 Star), United States Service Medal, and Navy Occupation Service Medal.

Upon returning from service, Tony sold cars to farmers all across the Central Valley.  Tony sold Cadillac and Oldsmobile cars for 22 years, and was the top nationally ranked salesman for his dealership for years.  Tony later ran several small businesses, and settled on bike rental business in Pismo Beach (Fernando’s Hideaway).

Tony met Kathleen through a mutual friend at the weekly sock hop dances in the Tulare area.  They were married on October 28, 1954.  They had four loving children, and enjoyed dancing, swimming, fishing, golfing, and throwing parties with family and friends.  They were married 66 years.  Tony enjoyed golfing, football, and running his bike rental business and socializing with the many loyal customers.  Tony was outgoing, quick-witted, and had a charismatic personality. Everyone has a funny Tony Story.

Tony had memberships at the Elks Club, American Legions, Nights of Columbus, Visalia Country Cub, and was involved in local youth sports.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Geneva Fernandes, brothers, Frank, Joe, Johnny, and Lee Fernandes, sisters, Geneva Brazil, Olivia Mello, Mary Black, and Bernice Kitchen, son, Douglas Fernandes, and niece Vanessa Fernandes.  Tony treasured and loved his family.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, son, Curtis (wife Lillia) of Grover Beach, son, Mark (wife Suzanne) of Lancaster, daughter, Rhonda Holden of Rocklin, son, Dennis (wife Laura) of Manhattan Beach, son, Wayne True of Long Beach, 14 grandchildren (Jeffrey and Sabrina Fernandes, Stephen Fernandes, Joseph Fernandes, Marcus and Tiffaniee Fernandes, Molly and Jared Holden, Devon and Hudson Fernandes, Shane, Alysha, Tyler, and Crystal True, and 3 great grandchildren (Owen Fernandes, Graysen Fernandes, and Brady True).  He is survived by his brother Richard (wife Brenda) Fernandes.

Tony seemed to light up while at the center of a celebration – always one to raise a glass and celebrate the success of his friends and family.  Despite the large size of the Fernandes family, he and his siblings made it a priority to gather for Thanksgiving. While the family has spread out across California and the country, these are memories that they can treasure for years to come.

The family would like to thank his nurses and support staff at Central Coast Hospice, and the many helpful staff at the Veterans Affairs.

Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 6pm on Thursday, April 15th at Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel, 1239 Longbranch Avenue, Grover Beach.  Visitation is available from 4pm to 6pm at Marshall Spoo, April 15th.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church, 800 Bello Street, Pismo Beach, at 11am on Friday, April 16th. Viewing is available at the Church from 10:30am to 11am. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or a charity of your choice are greatly appreciated. 

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