Philip Joseph Fernandez

Philip Fernandez Obituary

Fernandez, Philip Joseph
On May 21, 2011, Philip Joseph Fernandez, 80, died peacefully in his home after a short illness from multiple myeloma. He was born in Millsboro, PA, the second son of Joseph and Verna Fernandez. He is survived by his loving family, his wife of 55 years Jeanne, their son Philip J. II and daughter-in-law Cindy and grandchildren Emma and Philip J. III, and by their daughter Mary Anne Fernandez-Herding and grandchildren William Joseph and Amanda Grace. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Bernard and Suzi Fernandez and nephews Tony, Jere, David, and Joseph. His extended families include those of Alan J. Hodak and Ly Yong. He was an accomplished trumpet player and pianist and a masterful band teacher in Scottsdale elementary schools for over 30 years. Philip will be remembered as a uniquely patient, kind, generous man who naturally made people happy and gathered long-standing friendships the whole of his beautiful life. He loved God who blessed him and each of his family abundantly. A Mass will be celebrated in August. In lieu of flowers, if you care to make a donation in his name, Philip admired the good works of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, PO Box 13600, Phoenix 85002. His family is also truly grateful for the tender care offered by the Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix 85014.

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Published by The Arizona Republic from May 29 to Jun. 5, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Fernandez

8 Entries

Paul Justham

September 20, 2022

Sincere condolences to the family. I had great respect for Mr. Fernandez when I was in his band class from 69-73. An important figure in my young life. Thank you for sharing him with us Yavapai Thunderbirds.

David Jimenez

January 6, 2021

Mr. Fernandez was my first band teacher. He carried himself with dignity and treated me as a person, not "just a kid". He tried to teach me coronet, baritone, and French horn. His patience was incredible. His love of music was as evident as his insistence that us kids respect and be kind to each other. We hated to disappoint him because of our respect for him. We tried our best when representing him and our school while marching or practicing for a concert. I recall that rather than try to shout over our instruments he'd simply tap his baton and just go silent to wait for us to notice and shush ourselves. I also remember how proud we all felt when we were able to come together as a band and play our hearts out for him at Supai holiday concerts, the Coronado HS graduation, and the while marching in the Parada Del Sol parades. Semper Fidelis, Mr. Fernandez. I thank you for all you did for me and my school.

June 7, 2011

Dear Jeanne, Kip and MaryAnn - We will all say a prayer for Phil. Seems like only yesterday we were on Weldon. Joyce has three grown children and is a grandmother(which makes me a great-grandmother). Joey never married, has an MBA from ASU and a good job in Irving, CA. Roy will turn 89 this Sept. We are living in Mesa at Leisure World. Betty & Roy Jacobson

Mia Kucinski

June 2, 2011

Mr. Fernandez, thank you for patience in teaching me the violin, which I still love to this day. I shall remember you fondly. God Bless you!

Irma

June 1, 2011

My condolences, for this very special Man. I was one his many students from Yavapai, and he was the best!!! He made it so fun and loved what he did and made it that much better us (students) he will definately will not be forgotten! I have mentioned him to my children and still remember like it was yesturday how he taught me how to play the clarinet and saxaphone, he is one teacher i will never forget!!!

Luis Medrano

June 1, 2011

Mr. Fernandez gave me the gift of music. His investment of time and patience continues to be a blessing to me today. Can you believe I still have the cadence memorized from Supai M.S. ! Thank you Mrs. Fernandez for sharing your wonderful husband with us. He will always have a special place in my heart. God bless you and your family.

Bob Harris

May 31, 2011

Phil led his band playing "Pomp and Circumstance" for many eighth graduations at Yavapai School starting in 1961. I know those students and the faculty of which Phil was such a big part will remember the kind and gentle spirit of this good man.

Christine Wright

May 30, 2011

Mr. Fernandez was my band director at Yavapai elementary school from 4th-8th grade (1963-1967). He started me on the clarinet, which I am still playing today, 47 years later. In fact, I became a junior high school band director in Yuma, AZ and have been teaching for the last 33 years. I have a job I love all due to Mr. Fernandez and his love of music and patience. I wish to extend my sympathies on his passing to his family...he made a big difference in my life. Christine M. Wright(Kennedy)

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