Obituary of Mr. Joseph "Josie" Leo Fernandez

Joseph Leo Fernandez (February 26, 1932 – January 15, 2022)

Our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to the patriarch of our family, Joseph “Josie” Fernandez. Josie’s life was dedicated to taking care of his family, and together we honour and pay tribute to his life and legacy.

Born in Karachi, British India in 1932 to his loving parents, the late Richard and the late Apollonia, Josie was a mischievous, energetic and athletic boy who loved to exercise and play cricket. He left for Bahrain at 17 years old to work for Cable and Wireless where he worked for the next 17 years. During this time, he married the love of his life Amy and started a family of six children. They all immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1969. In 1975, Josie was determined to provide the best opportunities for his family, and went back to school, where at the age of 43, he received a Computer Technology diploma from Ryerson University. He worked at the Ministry of Community and Social Services as a Mainframe Computer Operator until his retirement in 1997. He spent his retirement years travelling, enjoying the many social gatherings at the Senior Clubs and being with his family. Josie was also a very avid reader. He had a passion for singing, dancing, watching the Toronto Blue Jays and cooking.

A loving and devoted husband to his wife Amy and father to his six children: Cliff (Janice), Michael (Stephany), Corina (Derald), Mark (Doralynn), Sabrina and Katrina. Beloved grandfather to Candice (Moshe), Kristen (Yazan), James, Matthew, Derek, Kaitlynn, Carly and Ava, and great-grandfather to Benjamin and Zayd. They have a special memory of him singing “Don’t Worry Be Happy”…words to live by!

Cherished by his dear siblings Tessie, Charlie (the late Dorothy), Dougie (the late Rose), the late Sylvie (Aelred), the late Annette (the late Bobby), Noel (Gloria) and Bosco (Alba).

Fondly remembered by his in-laws the late Sonny (Poma), Mathilda (Denis), the late Carmel (Pat), Dr. Michael (Lucia), Anthony (Lynn), Monica (Joe), Valley (Sandra) and Marie (Henry).

He will be missed by his many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends for his quiet dignity, humour, kindness and generosity.

A Private (invitation only) Funeral Service will be at St. Barnabas Roman Catholic Church, 12 p.m. on Thursday January 20th 2022.