Manuel Fernandez was born July 22,1940, in Romita Guanajuato, Mexico. He went home to be with our Lord on Monday July 29, 2024, at the age of 84 peacefully surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Manuel came to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1960, where he befriended Cecilia's oldest brother who later introduced him to all the Sisneros family including Cecilia. They were best friends for 5 years before they became a couple. Cecilia taught Manuel how to speak English and he taught himself how to read English through the newspaper. Manuel has always had an amazing work ethic and started working immediately after coming to the US. He went from being a dishwasher, working in the railyard, to being a cook and finally finding his career of being a Manager at Envirco, one of the world's largest manufacturers of laminar flow and environmental equipment in Albuquerque for over 20 years. Manuel married his best friend Cecilia Fernandez on May 29, 1965, and started a family soon after. He loved and cherished every moment he had with his 5 children, Robert "Juan", Julie, Jenin, Jesse, and Josie. Although he worked many hours and many years for Cecilia to be able to be a stay-at-home Mom, he always made time for road trips, camping, fishing and weekend BBQs in the neighborhood. The Fernandez home was always a home open to anyone whether you wanted to hang out, talk or, most important, eat some amazing food both Manuel and Cecilia made together.  Manuel always made it possible for his Cecil to have all she ever wanted and asked for. He spoiled his children and never did they go without. He sacrificed so much for his family to make sure they had all he couldn't have as a child. One thing everyone will always remember Manuel for is he would always say… Take care of your kids and your family, and always… Save Your Money!! Why is that? Because he did!! If anyone was ever in need, he was the first to offer his help. He said you never know when you are going to need to help someone or help yourself. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were his favorite visitors. Even at the end of life when he was tired and hurting, he always lit up when the grandkids walked into his house. Our Dad, our grandpa, our great grandpa will be missed dearly. He is now with the love of his life, his soulmate, his best friend Cecil. May they continue their love and dance in the gates of Heaven.

Manuel was preceded in death by his wife, Cecilia Fernandez; mother, Juanita Lorna Fernandez;  father, Jose Esteban Loreto Fernandez; step mom Esther Hidalgo Fernandez brothers, Javier Fernandez Hidalgo, Agustin Fernandez Lona, and sister Celia Fernandez Lona.

He is survived by his son, Robert "Juan" Fernandez and spouse Errol Mascareno; daughter, Julie Astorga and husband Ivan Astorga; daughter, Jenin Fernandez; son, Jesse Fernandez and wife Darlene Fernandez; daughter, Josie Gonzales and husband Richard Gonzales; 12 grandchildren Clyde and Fiancé Josh, Savanna and husband Dustin, Felisha, Cecilia "Cece", Jaslynn and husband Michael, Elijah, Ivan Jr, Jeslene, Isaiah, Andres, Destiny, and Alayah; 9 great-grandchildren, Kira, Da'Narius, Marianna, Dalaysia, Mathias, Elijah, Myla, Elianna, and Rosalia.

Services will be held at San Jose Parish, 2401 Broadway Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. The Rosary will be recited  at 9:00 am. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 am. The interment will follow at San Jose de Armijo Cemetery, 2957 Arenal Rd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121 at 10:30 am