Cover photo for Fernando Estevez's Obituary
1950 Fernando 2020

Fernando Estevez

October 4, 1950 — June 8, 2020

Fernando De Jesus Estevez was born on Wednesday, October 4, 1950 in La Cuesta Abajo, San Jose de Las Matas, Dominican Republic to Ana Mercedes Peralta and Fernando Emilio Estevez. Surrounded by family, at 69 years of age, he passed away peacefully as he met with our Lord Jesus, on Monday, June 8, 2020 at 6:20am, after a long struggle with debilitating medical conditions.

Fernando met his dear wife, Maria Del Carmen Vargas, on March 25, 1971. They were married on July 8, 1978 and spent the next 49 years in a loving relationship. From this union five beautiful children were born, all of whom were caring for him during his illness. Fernando only had a third grade education at La Cuesta Abajo’s primary school, however, this did not limit all of the great accomplishments he made throughout his lifetime.

Fernando immigrated to New York on September 6, 1975 and throughout the years, he worked endlessly in the restaurant industry, preparing himself for what would eventually lead him to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Three years after arriving in New York, he was able to accomplish the American Dream of becoming a homeowner. His pride, joy and dreams were always to be able to provide for his immediate and extended family. He was a light in the lives of all that he touched. Fernando was a man of strong character, he was patient and kind, yet firm and determined. He was silly and a joker, yet serious and dedicated. He always put his family first, his selflessness and his actions spoke louder than his words. One by one, he brought each of his family members to the United States and provided encouragement and motivation to his parents and siblings to also accomplish many things. Vividly, one of his brothers remembers the day Fernando said these words “I have brought you to this country and I have made a home for my family, now it’s time for us to build another, one by one, until all 16 of us are able to provide a home for our families”. When anyone would speak about Fernando, the first thing that came to mind, was his smile. Then it was his little hat, he never left the house without it. Then his cane, which he lost at least several times a day. But everyone is able to agree on one thing, he always made you feel special, loved and welcomed. He took his time to teach others, without asking anything in return. There’s not enough words to describe how important he was and what a powerful influence he continues to be. He is endlessly loved.

Fernando is survived by his wife, Maria Estevez, children: Jose Rafael Estevez, Alexandra Del Carmen Armstead (Kennie), Yesenia Maria Thompson (Anthony), Edwin Fernando Estevez, Yulissa Peña (Alfri), Grandchildren: Liliana, Amy, Gabriel, Brandon, Kamilah, Saniah, Eli and Liam. He is survived by his siblings: Miguel (Elena- deceased), Rolando, Dario, Marco, Francisco, Jose Fernando (Ramon), Jose Benedicto (Ton and his wife Hilda), Jose Altagracia (Pepe), Jose Ramon(papa) his significant other Luz, Jose Antonio (Billy and his wife Brunilda), Jose De Jesus (Tito and his wife Trinidad), Nidia, Rosa, Gloria (Minerva and her husband Daniel), Altagracia and countless nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Services will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2020. There will be a viewing from 9:00am to 11:00am and a service from 10:50am to 12:05pm at the Highland Funeral Homes and Memory Gardens located at 3329 E Semoran Blvd Apopka, Florida 32703.

Condolences can be sent to the Estevez Family at 1447 Dusty Pine Drive Apopka, Florida 32703 care of Alexandra Armstead.

Papa, Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear. -From your children and grandchildren.

I will always love you- From Mama.

Spanish Translation:

Fernando De Jesus Estévez nació el miércoles 4 de octubre de 1950 en La Cuesta Abajo, San José de Las Matas, República Dominicana, hijo de Ana Mercedes Peralta y Fernando Emilio Estevez. Rodeado de familia, a los 69 años de edad, falleció pacíficamente cuando se reunió con nuestro Señor Jesús, el lunes 8 de junio de 2020 a las 6:20 a.m., después de una larga lucha con condiciones médicas debilitantes.

Fernando conoció a su querida esposa, María del Carmen Vargas, el 25 de Marzo de 1971. Se casaron el 8 de julio de 1978 y pasaron los siguientes 49 años en una relación amorosa. De esta unión nacieron cinco hermosos hijos, todos los cuales lo cuidaban durante su enfermedad. Fernando sólo tuvo una educación de tercer grado en la escuela primaria de La Cuesta Abajo, sin embargo, esto no limitó todos los grandes logros que hizo a lo largo de su vida.

Fernando emigró a Nueva York el 6 de septiembre de 1975 y a lo largo de los años, trabajó sin fin en la industria de la restauración, preparándose para lo que eventualmente lo llevaría a convertirse en un exitoso empresario. Tres años después de llegar a Nueva York, fue capaz de cumplir el sueño americano de convertirse en propietario de una casa. Su orgullo, alegría y sueños siempre fueron capaces de proveer para su familia inmediata y extendida. Era una luz en la vida de todo lo que tocaba. Fernando era un hombre de carácter fuerte, paciente y amable, pero firme y decidido. Era tonto y un bromista, pero serio y dedicado. Siempre puso a su familia en primer lugar, su abnegacion y sus acciones hablaban más fuerte que sus palabras. Uno a uno, trajo a cada uno de los miembros de su familia y proporcionó aliento y motivación a sus padres y hermanos para lograr también muchas cosas. Vividamente, uno de sus hermanos recuerda el día en que Fernando dijo estas palabras "Yo le he traído a este país y he hecho un hogar para mi familia, ahora es el momento de construir otro, uno por uno, hasta que los 16 podamos proporcionar un hogar para nuestras familias". Cuando alguien hablaba de Fernando, lo primero que me vino a la mente, fue su sonrisa. Despues de eso era su pequeño sombrerito, nunca salia de la casa sin él. Luego su bastón, que perdió al menos varias veces al día. Pero todo el mundo es capaz de estar de acuerdo en una cosa, siempre te hizo sentir especial, amado y bienvenido. Se tomó su tiempo para enseñar a los demás, sin pedir nada a cambio. No hay suficientes palabras para describir lo importante que era y la poderosa influencia que sigue siendo. Es amado sin fin.

A Fernando le sobreviven su esposa, María Estevez, hijos: José Rafael Estevez, Alexandra Del Carmen Armstead (Kennie), Yesenia Maria Thompson (Anthony), Edwin Fernando Estevez, y Yulissa Peña (Alfri), Sus nietos: Liliana, Amy, Gabriel, Brandon, Kamilah, Saniah, Eli y Liam. Le sobreviven sus hermanos: Miguel (y su querida esposo Elena que fallecio), Rolando, Darío, Marco, Francisco, José Fernando (Ramón), José Benedicto (Ton y su querida esposa Hilda), José Altagracia (Pepe), José Ramón (papa) y la muy querida Luz, José Antonio (Billy y su esposa Brunilda), José De Jesús (Tito y su esposa Trinidad), Nidia, Rosa, Gloria (Minerva y su esposo Daniel), Altagracia e innumerables sobrinas, sobrinos y miembros de la familia extendida.

Los servicios se llevarán a cabo el jueves 11 de junio de 2020. Habrá una vista de 9:00am a 11:00am y un servicio de 10:50am a 12:05pm en Highland Funeral Homes and Memory Gardens ubicado en 3329 E Semoran Blvd Apopka, Florida 32703.

Las condolencias se pueden enviar a la familia Estévez en 1447 Dusty Pine Drive Apopka, Florida 32703 cuidado de Alexandra Armstead.

Papá, los que amamos no desaparecen, caminan a nuestro lado todos los días, invisibles, inaudidos, pero siempre cerca, todavía amados, todavía extrañado, y muy querido. -De sus hijos y nietos.

Siempre te amaré- Departe de tu negra.



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