Fernandez, Nino J., 70 passed away January 3, 2015 in Mesa Az. Born March 22, 1944 in Phoenix, Arizona. He enlisted in the USMC, and proudly served in Vietnam. Upon his return from duty, he worked various jobs, and retired from the City of Phoenix with over 20 years of service. Nino was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend who loved to watch NASCAR and cheer for ASU Sun Devils, and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame football while smoking a cigarette and drinking a Coke. Preceded in death by his parents Nino & Beatrice, and Sister Christina Rivera. Survived by his daughters Elaine and Kara (Chris), grandchildren Dominique, Brandy, Jadan and Adam. Sisters Patricia Rivera, Linda Laing and brother Mark. Thank you to Dr. Kalmadi and staff at Ironwood Cancer Center and to Banner Gardens Hospice. Your care and compassion was greatly appreciated. Visitation will be held Saturday, January 10th, 2015 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. A Graveside Service will follow at 11:15am, at St. Francis Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix. Vaya Con Dios….We love you
Carol Gonzales
Nino we will miss you greatly. Thanks for always being there for me and my family. You were my Dads right hand man(Domingo Romero RIP ) he could always count on you. I’m still waiting on that Rib Eye steak you always teased me about. Thanks for being there for my lil brother (Drey) you always were someone he could depend on. I can still remember the day he went to prom you were alittle more excited than him.I know that you thought my dad would take care of my Aunt Susie we will do our best. We love you and Miss you lots.The Family of Domingo & Carla Romero
Betty Hurdt
Not mentioned was was Nino’s partner of 27 years my Mother, Susie Tafoya who loved and cared for him through sickness snd in and health. Nino you will be greatly missed.
Michelle Hammill
Yes he will be missed greatly, especially from my grandma Susie Tafoya that was with him for the last 20 something year’s, and that was by his side till the end, Nino it won’t be the same going to my gramdma’s, and not seeing u there outside having a smoke and your coke.
Violet Tafoya
Rest in paradise Nino,your other half of 27 years my Grandmother Susie Tafoya and all of us will miss you dearly….
Dean Lewellen
I am sorry that Duke is still not alive and that he had so much pain before he died. I had not seen him but a few times in years, but still remember the humor he provided his friends and family. Many years ago there was a party one night where friends and family gathered, and one of the friends there was a black man named Charles. He was talking with some other guys in the back yard, and when Duke arrived he went out to the back porch, looked around and said; ” Charles, smile so I can see where your at.” Of course everyone cracked up including Charles. That is just one example of his wonderful sense of humor. Duke never went out of his way to hurt anyone, and I am sorry I didn’t see him more often, or never met his lady friend who stayed with and helped him the past 20+ years.
Duke death is a loss to everyone, friends and family alike, and will be truly missed. Sincerely, Dean Lewellen and wife Rosemarie.
Kimberly, Marty and Sydney Feldhake
The whole of my life you have always been a part of, and growing up and learning the many sides of you as I matured, allowed me to deeply and sincerely appreciate you. There were soooo many fun times and some not so fun times, but you showed and advised how to go on, so I will try now. I loved you and had so much fun going on Super Bowl trips with you and Susie, my Nina and Nino(Susanna and David Barela), Marty and whoever else decided to go on any given year. Those trips were a blast!! You and Susie came to all Sydney’s special moments and you taught her that her elders could be fun and funny… She is very saddened at your loss. So is Marty. I pray for Susie and her family, your daughters and their families, for your sisters and their families, and for my Nina and Nino who you were like a brother too and the rest of our family. You will be another missing piece in my heart, gone to meet up with the other missing pieces. Say hello to them from us… rest in peace Homie. Love, Kimberly, Marty and your Home Girls