Obituary of Avelino Fernandez

Fernandez, Avelino of Augusta, NJ at rest in Paterson. In loving memory of a dear husband and father, Avelino Fernandez, known fondly by his fellow firefighters as Captain Ave, died at the age of 66 on Tuesday, May 17, 2005. Avelino retired from the Paterson Fire Department after 30 years of service in 1999, served as the President of the FMBA Local 2 and as Chairman of the Legislative Committee for the State FMBA. His goal throughout his career was to improve the lives and working conditions for his fellow firefighters. Sadly, he leaves behind his wife Lillian of 43 years, three children: Avelino and his wife, Irene; Dan, and his wife, Tina; and Jodi Matti, and her husband, Stan. Two grandson; Nicolas & Luciano Fernandez and his two brothers; Manuel and Anthony Fernandez. We will cherish our memories of him as a fisherman, gardener, and a friend that everyone loved to be around. We miss you now our hearts are sore as time goes by well miss you more. Your loving smile, your gentle face no one can fill your vacant place. We often sit and think of you and the things you used to do, always so true unselfish and kind, few in the world your equal theyll find. You died as you lived everyones friend. (Lillian, Ave, Danny & Jodi). Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral from the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd, Totowa, on Saturday at 9:15 AM. Funeral Mass to follow at St. Bonaventure RC Church, Paterson at 10:00 AM. Repast immediately following the mass at Bishop Manning Hall at St. Bonaventure RC Church, Paterson. Interment after the repast at Frankford Plains Cemetery, Augusta, NJ. Friends may call Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Donations are being accepted to Hospice of New Jersey 400 Broadacres Dr., 4th Fl., Bloomfield, NJ 07003. For more information, go to www.festamemorial.com . Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted. (St. Matthew Verse 5) OBITUARY Avelino Fernandez age 66 of Augusta died Tuesday. Born in Paterson, NJ he was a lifelong resident of Paterson before moving to Augusta in 1980. He served for 30 years with the Paterson Fire Department and retired in 1999 from Engine #8, Union Avenue, Paterson with the rank of Captain. He was a member of the Firemens Mutual Benevolent Association (FMBA) Local #2, and the NJ State FMBA. He served as President of Local #2, Secretary, Health and Welfare Chairman, annual FMBA Dinner and Valor Committee and several contract negotiation committees. At the State Association level, he served as NJ State Legislative Chairman and testified on numerous issues for the safety and rights of firefighters. Known as Captain Ave, he was Master of Ceremonies for several years at the annual State Valor Award Dinner. Since 1990, he has served as Legislative Committeeman for the Passaic County Firemans Association. Aves goal throughout his career has always been to improve the lives and working conditions of his brother firefighters and police officers. As a retiree, he was a Member of Local #500 of the State FMBA and serves on the Steering Committee. He was an avid fisherman, gardener, and enjoys working on vintage automobiles. He was a Peacetime Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife: The former Lillian Cangelosi of Augusta, NJ 2 sons: Avelino Fernandez & his wife Irene, of Youngsville, NC Dan Fernandez & his wife Tina, of Princeton, NJ A daughter: Jodi Matti & her husband, Stan of New Providence, NJ 2 brothers: Manuel Fernandez of Davenport, Fl Anthony Fernandez of Winterhaven, Fl Also survived by 2 grandsons. Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd, Totowa is in charge of arrangements.