Born in Gloucester, Massachusetts on November 28, 1916, and died on August 23, 2008, in El Cajon, California. Joseph Fernandes of El Cajon passed away peacefully on August 23, 2008, from complications of Alzheimer's. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and his son Norman. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Tena Fernandes, son, Richard Fernandes, and daughter, Joyce Sarantos. As a child Joe's mother died when he was four and was relocated to Portugal to live with his grandparents. At 14 years old he was sent to the seminary to become a priest but decided to come back to the United States when he was 17 so he would not lose his American citizenship. He was able to speak Portuguese, Spanish, French and Latin. Joe was known for his many occupations: commercial tuna fisherman, captain, navigator, rancher, motel owner, realtor, and bar owner. One of his many adventures was at sea when one of his tuna boats caught fire at Cape Corrientes, Mexico, 1000 miles from San Diego. Joe along with 11 others which included his father, cousins, and brother-in-law, Don Ruiz, all escaped only in their underwear. They were forced to row in a 16-foot skiff to shore in Mexico with only cigarettes that could be saved from the burning ship. Reportedly, they were only 20 miles from Cape Corrientes Light House but it took them 14 hours before reaching shore. In his retirement he loved to camp, and fish at the Salton Sea, Mexico, and various lakes in Nevada and California. He was known for liking to play bingo and the slot machines. He enjoyed his wife, family, and friends. He will be missed by his family, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services were performed on August 28, 2008, at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Source:
San Diego Union-Tribune on September 14, 2008