Pablo Fernandez Fernandez

Pablo Fernandez Fernandez, 75, of Michoacan, Mexico, passed away April 5, 2023,  surrounded by his family after a long battle with endocarditis . He was born in Michoacan, Mexico, to Maria De Jesus and Rodolfo Fernandez (their only child) on August 18, 1947. He grew up in Michoacan, working on the family farm, having fun with cousins and neighborhood friends, riding horses, fishing and playing soccer. His childhood was an idyllic time in his life, which he recalled fondly.

Pablo worked for the Housing Authority of Santa Cruz County and managed the Buena Vista Migrant Camp for over 25 years. He helped with development and implemented goals and policies for the Migrant Housing Center. He coordinated and oversaw the renting of migrant housing units. He reviewed and approved qualification packets as required, while making sure to go out of his way to help migrant families get their paperwork in order so they could receive housing. He spent most of his career advocating for better housing units for these families. He was a lifelong avid soccer fan and loved the Morelia Monarcas and the Guadalajara Chivas. In his younger years he was a great soccer player and also taught others to develop their soccer skills. 

He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who created a nickname for all his grandkids. He looked forward to visits from his grandkids and instilled in them a love of family and family unity. He had an amazing memory and told them entertaining stories, sometimes with a hint of exaggeration. He took an active role in the lives of his grandchildren, teaching them how to tie trucker knots and always sharing advice on life skills and caring for them with great patience and love. He loved to spend afternoons with his grandkids taking them to the park, playing with them, taking them to McDonalds, or for ice cream treats. As well as dropping and picking them up from school, taking them to their little league and flag football practices. He was the best grandpa ever!

Pablo did everything with honesty and integrity. He had very strong values and was well liked by everyone, mostly due to his positive energy. Pablo had incredible patience, and always made time to help others. He would say it all comes back to us. His legacy will carry on forever reminding us that we control our attitudes. We choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service, like Christ modeled for us. 

He is survived and missed by his loving wife, Alicia; children, Alicia (Licha) Mesa and her spouse Robert Mesa, Yolanda Fernandez, Pablo Fernandez (Jr.) and his spouse Cristina Fernandez, Luis Fernandez; Forever cherished and remembered by his grandchildren: Kendra and her spouse Dario, Britni, Kaylee, Pablito, Kiana, Chanel, William, Luis, Ashley, Isaac, Brianna, Brianca and great grandson Alex Fernandez Ferro; his Uncle Ignacio (tio Nacho) as well as beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Pablo is preceded in death by Maria de Jesus Fernandez (Mother), Rodolfo Fernandez (Father), Ignacio and Eloisa Fernandez (Maternal Grandfather & Grandmother), Pablo Fernandez and Consuelo Magaña (Paternal Grandfather & Grandmother).

4/17/23
There will be a visitation held on Monday, April 17 from 12:00pm - 10:00pm (Rosary at 5:00pm) at his home, 13 Vernon Ct Freedom, CA.                                                                                                           

4/18/23
Memorial services will be held at The Shrine of Saint Joseph (544 W. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA). Tuesday, April 18th at 9:00am, followed by burial at Pioneer Cemetery 66 Marin Street Watsonville, CA.  and a gathering and luncheon at his home.