Storke Funeral Home Obituaries

Arturo “Robert” Fernandez, Jr., passed away on September 22, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona at the age of 80 after a courageous battle with cancer. Robert, the eldest of three children, was born on October 17, 1942 to Arturo and Julia Fernandez in New York City (Manhattan), New York.

After graduating from the High School of Commerce in New York City, Robert went on to a career in the military. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in February of 1960 and was honorably discharged in November of 1980, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. He then continued serving in the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve until January of 1990, completing 30 years of service. Robert took great pride in serving our country and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. His military service took him on a remarkable journey around the world:

• Camp Pendleton
• Okinawa, Japan
• Seattle, Washington
• Republic of Vietnam
• Camp Fuji, Japan
• Twentynine Palms, California
• A leave to Europe in which he visited many countries; including England, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Switzerland, France, Finland, Netherlands, West Germany, Spain, and Sweden.
• Treasure Island, San Francisco, California
• Kansas City, Missouri (Fleet Marine Corps Reserve)

Robert’s career in the United States Marine Corps was long and distinguished. Here are a few of his recognized achievements:

• Combat Action Ribbon
• Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon
• Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon
• Vietnam Commendation with Palm
• Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
• Good Conduct Medal
• Vietnam Campaign Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal
• Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
• National Defense Service Medal
• Pistol Expert Badge
• Rifle Expert Badge

Robert’s roles and duties in the military were related to personnel administration. He had additional schooling in the following areas: rocket & flame thrower schools, leadership courses, recruiter’s schools, and communications/electronics schools. He was a business and finance major from Mira Costa Jr. College as well. Robert ended his working career as head of security for the Marriott Corporation in San Francisco, CA and fully retired in Concord, CA.

Robert had many interests in addition to those related to the military. He played on the USMC softball team in Twentynine Palms, CA and looked forward to his time on the bowling lanes as well. He treasured his cars; whether it be his trendy Chevrolet Monte Carlo with a vinyl top, his sporty Chevrolet Camaro, or his fully loaded Pontiac Grand Prix sedan. He was without a doubt an electronics enthusiast. Robert’s two favorite movies were “Saturday Night Fever” and “Top Gun”. He was known to bust out some mean John Travolta disco moves while walking around the house and “Staying Alive” on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack was the most worn in his vinyl collection. Robert was perfectly content being at home and enjoyed picking out the day’s line-up of shows in the TV Guide, circling them, and binge-watching current and old favorites . . . from soaps/novelas to sporting events, crime series, game shows, and real-life courtroom dramas.

Robert frequented his favorite restaurants, as food was a great pleasure to him; spaghetti and salad at Spaghetti Factory, a monster burger and fries at Red Robin, lasagna and garlic bread at Olive Garden, a combo plate of Serrano’s Mexican food, ham and pineapple pizza from Melo’s Pizza, and a grand slam at Denny’s with steaming HOT pancakes! He’d wash everything down with a Michelob Dark, Corona, Crown Royal or a Coke! Robert would often say that he missed his mom’s cooking and that she was the best cook he’d ever known. He’d make delicious fried plantains to mimic those from his memory. Robert enjoyed the simple things in life like going to the store to pick out a New York steak, a loaf of piping hot French bread from Fry’s (which he’d eat before he got to the cashier stand), or a breakfast cake to accompany his morning coffee.

Robert’s number one holiday was Thanksgiving, as he anticipated stuffing himself multiple times over with turkey and all the trimmings and watching football, especially the San Francisco 49ers! He enjoyed the Oakland A’s and would put spring training games on his schedule while visiting Arizona. Traveling was very important to Robert and he made time to visit family whenever he could, with a meticulous itinerary down to the last detail! As Robert’s cancer progressed, he looked forward to his trips to the VA in Martinez and the medical center and commissary at Travis Air Force Base, where he’d sit and smoke his Pall Mall cigarettes while chatting with those around him- and this gave him great satisfaction! He was a U.S. Marine through and through. Many will remember Robert by his beautiful smile and memories of Robert will be etched on our hearts forever.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Arturo and Julia (Valentine) Fernandez and his daughter Lisa Fernandez.

As mentioned, Robert was the eldest of three children. He leaves behind his sister Bertha (Robert) Arkin and children Richard and Amanda; as well as his brother Thomas Edward Fernandez and son Thomas Edward.

Robert had 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Christine Fernandez, sons Timothy (Dana) Fernandez, Ken (Lynne) Wills; daughter Pamela (Harold) Bull; grandchildren Cheryl (John) Howell, Valerie (Steve) Kelley, Jessica (Will) Ramirez, Ashley Likens, Blaine Fernandez, Zoe (Nick) Anisko, Sydney and Jillian Wills, Austin Bull, Victoria (Jacob) Lee; great grandchildren Abrianna Newman, Jaidyn Worthington, Jamisyn Ramirez, Alexander Balle, and Liam Likens.

Robert will be dearly missed by his family and friends. The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley, The Phoenix VA, and Friendship Village in Tempe, Arizona for providing Robert with the specialized care he needed as his cancer progressed.

A service for Robert, including a burial with standard honors, will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial gift to:

Disabled American Veterans https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/, Meals on Wheels https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org, or prostate cancer research through the American Cancer Society donate.cancer.org