Arthur Fernandez

Arthur Fernandez lived an extraordinary life giving so much of himself to so many over the years. Always one to look on the bright side, Arthur cherished the family he loved and enjoyed each and every moment he spent with them. A strong provider and wonderful companion, he wanted nothing more than the very best for his family. Deeply loved by all who knew him, there is no doubt that he will be dearly missed by his many special friends and loved ones.

The year 1932 held many special marks in history. With the promise of a new election year waiting, Arthur was welcomed home on March 16, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan. Born one of six children, his birth brought great joy and happiness during an era of tough economic times.

Growing up in a close-knit Mexican community, his heritage had a strong role in his upbringing. His mother was a wonderful cook and Arthur enjoyed many of her traditional Mexican dishes including her chocolate and tortillas. There was often a fair share of mischief between Arthur and his brothers. They enjoyed pulling countless pranks on one another including tying their dad to the bed with neckties and drawing a mustache and big eyebrows on him with a permanent marker! Each of the boys took turns going to work with their father and Arthur attributes his love of working with his hands to these early years. As a family, they helped out at the local community garden that was Ford owned often harvesting vegetables and taking them home for canning. For enjoyment, Arthur enjoyed attending the local movie theater taking in shows for a nickel!

He was raised with a strong foundation of faith and enjoyed playing basketball, baseball, and boxing through a local Catholic youth organization. Arthur was never one to remain idle. He loved to make money and pedaled local newspapers before obtaining his first job as a shoe shiner. Boxing gave him a natural outlet for his boyhood wonder, and he enjoyed running the streets with the Bagley Boys who remained close to him throughout his adult years. Ambitious as well as studious, Arthur was able to graduate from Western High School in Detroit at the tender age of sixteen. He met his high school sweetheart, Sharon, at the local confectionery where they both liked to socialize. After graduation he went to work for Carter Electric wiring lamps before he enlisted in the United States Army. During his time in the Army he proudly served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne division during the Korean War.

Once Arthur was honorably discharged from the service, he returned home with great anticipation of connecting with Sharon. They wasted no time in joining in marriage in 1956 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Detroit. Soon after they were blessed with welcoming two wonderful children into their lives and home; Kim and Robert. As a father, Arthur was active and involved. He coached Robert’s Little League team and taught his kids many life skills to support them in their growing years. He especially taught them the value of people and being able to communicate and read the body language of others to foster building vital relationships. He was a great role model and taught them to pay close attention to verbal communication as well. Arthur was always patient and calm in his approach to parenting and his children are forever grateful for the gifts he gave them throughout their growing years. Each and every celebration was important to Arthur. He loved to surround himself with family and friends and join in parties that often included dancing. Music and dance were a big part of his life and his entire family were great dancers! In his sixties, Arthur also took drum lessons and enjoyed playing at many of the family get-togethers.

Arthur loved to fill his life with rich opportunities. A memorable moment in his life was attending the World Expo in 1970. Arthur was mesmerized by the elaborate markets, as well as taking in the Toronto fashion. He marveled at the opportunities to experience things that he had never seen in Detroit. In addition to his faith life, his family was his most important treasure. As much as he relished in his years as a father, he was delighted to be a grandpa! He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and instilling in them many of the same values he gave his own children. In his older years, Arthur cherished the relationship he had with his daughter. The two of them had a very special bond, full of trust and love. Devoted to his family, hard working, and generous are words that describe him yet loving is perhaps the most fitting word that paints the most vivid picture of Arthur. His family learned from his determination and inner strength and always felt his love. Arthur loved all people. He enjoyed helping others and never shied away from hard work. Each and every person that knew Arthur was touched by his extreme generosity. He was forever grateful for the people in his life that cared for him. Sadly, he is gone and his loved ones will surely lean on the rich collection of memories that he leaves behind. May his loved ones never doubt the genuine love he held for them and may his memories live on in their hearts forevermore.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Arthur Fernandez on Saturday, November 21, 2020. He was the loving father of Kim (Jeff) and Bob (Michele), adoring grandfather of six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Arthur was predeceased by his loving wife and best friend, Sharon. Arthur held a special place in the hearts and lives of many loved nieces and nephews. Arthur was a faithful and devoted attendee of Ste. Anne de Detroit Catholic Church and served in the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper during the Korean War. Arthur will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Special thanks to the staff of Townehall Place of West Bloomfield Assisted Living for making his last months so special. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.