Robert Fernandez

On Monday, April 1, 2024, Robert A. Fernandez, 87, of Santa Fe, NM was called home by God while surrounded by prayer and love. 

Robert was born on April 8, 1936, in Taos, New Mexico to Luis and Petrita Fernandez. As a young boy, he played a significant role in the household, taking on various chores like milking cows, tending to sheep, and even contributing to the maintenance of the family's water well by digging artery veins. His contributions at home reflected his strong work ethic and dedication to his family's welfare.

Beyond his household responsibilities, Robert excelled in sports, particularly basketball, where he earned recognition as an all-star player.  He demonstrated commitment to his country by his 11 years of enlisted service in the New Mexico Army National Guard. His service exemplified his sense of duty to both his community and his nation, underscoring his character and values from a young age.

In 1959 while working for the State of New Mexico Robert met Eliza, his future bride. After two years of courting Robert saw in Eliza a person of respect, friendship, and beauty. Robert and Eliza were married in 1961, by the Catholic Church in Costilla, NM. In the 61 years of a blissful marriage six sons and two daughters were born. Robert received his bachelor’s degree from the College of Santa Fe in 1973 and continued his career with the State of New Mexico for 33 and ½ years, retiring in December 1995.  

Robert had a passion for sports and was very involved with Santa Fe National Little League baseball. He played a pivotal role in revamping the fields at Franklin Miles Park for the Santa Fe National Little League baseball, where he coached, served as treasurer, and later became president. Additionally, he coached elementary basketball and served as PTA president at Nava Elementary. Robert demonstrated a strong devotion to his Catholic faith, actively engaging with organizations such as the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member and president of the Santa Fe Senior Advisory Council, competed in many Senior Olympic events including running, bowling, air rifle, horseshoes, and free throw competitions.

Robert Fernandez dedicated his time to volunteering in tax preparation services and found joy in woodworking, crafting pieces that adorned his home. His love for the outdoors was evident through his passion for camping, hunting and was an avid fisherman which brought him immense fulfillment and happiness.

Robert was such a caring and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Robert dedicated his life to looking after his wife who faced on-going health challenges. He was very well known and respected in the community.

Robert was the last surviving child of Luis and Petrita Fernandez.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Eliza; son, Eugene; his parents; father and mother-in-law, Jose E. and Sinforosa C. Vigil; siblings: infant sister, Margarita Fernandez, Marina Cordova (Joe), Louis Fernandez (Julia), Alice Garcia (Eliseo), Bonifacio Fernandez (Margie), Agapita Jeantete (Gabriel), Gustavo Fernandez (Teodora), Margaret Fernandez, Fabiola Lucero (Ben), and Irene Trujillo (Eloy); brothers and sisters-in-law: Fares Vigil (Ennie), Felix Vigil (Cecilia), Floyd Vigil, Gustavo Vigil, Paul Vigil, Bertha Vigil (Felix), Reynold Gaillour, and Frank Hernandez.

Robert is survived by his children: Gregory (Myra), Vincent (Christina), Kenneth (Jessica), Agnes (Frank), Edwin (Patricia), Fernando (Elizabeth), Lucia (Adrian), and daughter-in-law Carla; grandchildren: Steven, Stefanie, Christine (Nathan), Christopher (Halie), Matias, Mario, Anthony (Angel), Amanda (Raymond), Raquel (Andrea), Alessandra (Alyse), Mikayla, Anelisa, Carlo (Veronica), Emily, Benji (Britney), Dominic, Marcus, Julie, and Zachary (Jenny); great-grandchildren: Abran, Sydnee, Urijah, Avry, Chloe, Lila, Ellyce, Aubrey, Arianna, Aaron, Dylan, Caleb, Raya, Noah, Heidi, and Jordan; sister Cecilia Martinez; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Priscilla Hernandez, Victoria Gaillour, Dennis Vigil (Henrietta), MaryLou Spear (David), and Arthur Vigil (Darlene), and Beatrice Vigil. As well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and many other relatives and friends. 

Memorial services are as follows:  

Rosary - Thursday, April 18, 2024, at  6pm at Rivera Family Funerals and Cremations; 417 East Rodeo Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505. 

Rosary, Eulogy, and Funeral Mass – Friday April 19, 2024, at beginning at 10 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church; 1301 Osage Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87505 with burial to follow at Rosario Cemetery; 499 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501.  

Pallbearers: Leroy Garcia, Jr. Diana Watson, Lito Fernandez, Christine Romero, Chris Fernandez, Patrick Fernandez, Victor Lucero, Eleanor Blokzyl