Robert Z. Fernandez
February 12, 1955 - July 01, 2004
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Robert Z. Fernandez
February 12, 1955 - July 01, 2004
Obituary
Robert ?Bob? Zaragoza Fernandez, 49, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 1, 2004 in Laguna Hills, California. Bob was born in Manila, Philippines and moved to the United States with his family in 1969. He was a 1973 graduate of Dover High School in Dover, Delaware and earned his BS degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton in Ohio in 1980. Most recently, he was a Senior Engineer at Honeywell Aerospace Electronic System Division.
He is survived by his wife, Mildred de Guzman, daughter Merissa, 10 years old, and his sons Ryan, 9 and Jourden, 18. He is also survived by his parents, Pete and Nelly Fernandez, of Dover, Delaware, brothers, Edgar of Salisbury, Maryland and Rick of Nice, France and sister Vicky Yaholkovsky of Rocklin, California.
Bob was an avid music fan – in particular jazz – and most specially enjoyed playing the piano. He loved everything about food: from cooking, to indulging in the pleasures of the table, and, to rhapsodizing about it. A travel enthusiast, Bob collected arts and crafts from around the globe, and had just recently returned from a 3-week holiday with his family in France and Italy.
Bob was a loving father, a devoted husband, a loyal, committed and caring brother and uncle, and a wonderful son. He will be missed greatly by those whom he has touched.
61 responses to Robert Z. Fernandez
Kurt and Dianne Xu &Keyanna, Michaela and Caleigha says:
July 5, 2004
Wednesday evening, June 30, the kids and I were able to spend some casual dinner time with Bob, Mildred, Marissa and Ryan in Aliso Viejo. We wanted to hear all about their trip to Europe and catch up on our friendship because it had been six months since we had moved to China. We didn’t get to share a lot that night because they were tired after their long trip. It was good to be back together with friends…to be sitting in the same room, allowing our kids to get re-acquainted also.
Michaela, our 5 year old sat beside Bob on the sofa and he would fall asleep quite often and Michaela would gently tickle him and pretend it wasn’t her. He would tickle her in response and ask, “was that you”. This happened a few times. She then asked him some kid like questions…like, Mr. Bob, “why is your tummy so round and big?” He joikingly replied, “because I ate a watermelon, then finally he said “because I eat too much food.” She was amused by his humor.
Over the past seven years, our families have shared so many wonderful visits, meals and birthday gatherings for our kids. We will miss Bob’s presence during those times. He had many interests and was well-traveled, well educated and had a great way of making us feel like we were extended family. We will miss his laughter, his hospitality, and his loving friendship.
Mildred, Marissa and Ryan-you are like family to us and we are with you through this time of loss. We love you.
Dianne,Kurt,Keyanna, Michaela and Caleigha.
Mike Stewart says:
July 5, 2004
I enjoyed working with Bob at Honeywell. Although our work did not bring us in direct contact, Bob was valuable resource over the phone. We did have times that we would meet in Phoenix and his visits to Wichita. I always enjoyed the conversation with Bob.
Thanks you,
Mike Stewart
Mona & Mike Vaday says:
July 5, 2004
Dear Mildred,
Our prayers and thoughts are always with you and your dear kids, only time will heal this tragedy, we pray that God gives you the strength, please let us know if we can help in any way.
Love,
Mike, Mona, Michelle and Austin Vaday
Peter & Maria Ursu says:
July 5, 2004
I remember meeting Bob and Mildred for the first time during my business trip in Dallas, Texas. They were a very young and loving couple. We went out to dinner one night and Bob was gentleman enough to pay for our dinner. In California, I always knew Bob to be a very loving father to his children and good husband to his wife Mildred. Both he and Mildred always remembered us during the holidays and he made us godparents of their daughter Merissa. Once, at the house of his parents in law, Jess and Rose, he prayed with us to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. So we believe he is now with our Lord God in heaven. God said in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Praise be to God!
Auntie Sally and Uncle Rudy says:
July 6, 2004
Condolence to you, Mildred and family. At a time like this, our greatest consolation is our faith in God–that Bob is now in the heavenly banquet which He has prepared for each of us. We will pray for you, Merissa, and Ryan. Bob will always be with you in spirit in the communion of saints.
“We are all beautiful distinct flowers in God’s glorious garden, each answering His call at different times. When it’s time He picks you up and brings you into His house so that you can live forever.”
We will miss Bob very much, but we take consolation in that we are certain he is now happy in God’s bosom.