Fernando F. Fernandez

Mr. Fernando F. Fernandez, 71, entered the Eternal Kingdom guided by the Lord’s Angels on Saturday, June 6, 2026. 

We respectfully request that no one arrive at the funeral home prior to the posted visitation times, so as not to intrude on the family’s private time. 

Family and friends are invited to the visitation in the Kowalski Funeral Home, 515 Roselle Street, Linden on Wednesday, June 17th. from 4:00PM to 8:00PM.  On Thursday, June 18th. at 10:45AM everyone is asked to gather directly at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Elizabeth where a funeral mass will be offered at 11:00AM.  The prayers of committal, followed by the U.S. Army Military Honors Detail will precede Fernando’s burial in the family plot in St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Fernando’s memory can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) online at http://www.lbda.org/donate

Fernando, the son of the late Ramona Fajardo Fernandez and the late Eudaldo Fernandez, was born in Bayamo, Cuba.  When he arrived in the United States, Fernando lived in Elizabeth, New Jersey for many years before moving to Ruskin, Florida three years ago.  He was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Elizabeth, and he attended Union County College.  Subsequently Fernando served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era, for four years plus an additional year at the request of the Army.  During this time, Fernando was a personnel management specialist for the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina and from 1974 to 1977 he dealt with troop readiness and training. 

When he returned to civilian life, Fernando was the co-owner along with his father of a retail supermarket.  They later sold the business to open Fernandez Distributing together which was a wholesaler to local bodegas and supermarkets.  After the death of his father in 1997, Fernando sold the business.  His career path took a significant turn when he devoted himself full time to real estate, becoming the owner and broker of Integra Realty, LLC in Elizabeth.  Through his leadership, the company specialized in residential and commercial sales, financing, property management, and tenant relations.  He also served as the local listing broker for Fannie Mae properties, helping countless families and investors navigate the real estate market with confidence and integrity.  During this period Fernando had numerous professional affiliations: the New Jersey Realtors Association, the National Realtors Association, the Multiple Listing Service and the Planning and Zoning Officials of New Jersey. 

His hard work brought him many awards over the years.  Among them were the Top Gross Commission, January to July 2000, Central New Jersey Board of Realtors, the Masters Sales Award, the New Jersey Association of Realtors Million Dollar Award Bronze, the Pacesetter Gold Award for Outstanding Sales & Performance from January to June and the Top Sales Agents for February, all in 1999.  Previously in 1998, Fernando received the New Jersey Association of Realtors Million Dollar Award Bronze, and the Top Sales Agent for April, September and October.  In 1997, he garnered the New Jersey Association of Realtors Million Dollar Award Bronze, the Top Sales Agent July to December and the Top Production from January to June.

Fernando was just as passionate about serving his community.  He was the Zoning Board Chairman for the City of Elizabeth, the Commissioner of the Board of Adjustments Zoning and Planning from 1996 to the present, a Trustee of the Elizabeth Development Company 2003 to the present, a Director of the Union County Chamber of Commerce 1994 – 1996, a member of the New Jersey Planning Officials, and a Founding Director of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce.

Fernando was deeply involved in the Pan y Paraíso Foundation, dedicating his time and energy to helping others and supporting its mission.  Fernando was actively involved in his Elizabeth community where he was known for his generosity, willingness to help others and his commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those around him. 

Beyond his dedication to his family and his community, Fernando has a deep love for nature and the outdoors.  He enjoyed camping, exploring new places, and spending time surrounded by the beauty of the natural world.   An animal lover at heart, Fernando found joy in the simple moments shared with wildlife and nature.  Fernando was very passionate about classic rock music and photography.  He loved capturing the beauty of landscapes, sunsets, and the wonders of nature through his camera lens, preserving the moments that inspired him the most.

Fernando was a devoted husband who was always by the side of his beloved wife, Lina Maria Florez Lopez Fernandez, offering unwavering love, support, and companionship throughout their journey together.  He also leaves the broken hearts of his two sons, Fernando J. Fernandez and his wife, Natalie Fernandez and Diego A. Renza; his three grandchildren, Christopher Fernandez, Nicholas Fernandez and Matthew Fernandez; his sister, Clara C. Fernandez and her husband, Dario Scholis; his two nephews, Gabriel and Migel Scholis-Fernandez and Fernando’s many friends and neighbors, both in New Jersey and Florida. 

Fernando will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his kind heart and his appreciation for life’s natural beauty.  His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew Fernando and loved hm.  May he have eternal rest with his Lord and Savior.

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