Jose Manuel Fernandez

Fernandez, Jose Manuel

73, died at his home in Tampa, FL on Oct. 13, 2025. Jose, "Joe", was born in Marietta, GA, on April 22, 1952, the son of Jose Fernandez Garcia and Mercedes Garcia Ruano, both of Tampa. The family returned to Tampa the following year and Joe spent his youth there. A graduate of H. B. Plant High School('70), Joe attended the USMMA at Kings Point, NY. He went on to spend 30 years in the merchant service rising from Ordinary Seaman to Master of Unlimited Tonnage at his retirement. He sailed around the world multiple times and called at ports on six continents. Joe read widely and had a sharp, dry wit. He was very politically engaged. He loved Thomas Pynchon, Kurt Vonnegut and Gahan Wilson. He knew how to swing a hammer and how to command a supertanker and how to sail a sloop solo. He could tell you where to go for the spiciest spicy crab in Singapore and the best paella in Bilbao and which parts of Rotterdam or Rio to avoid for your own good. He could fix almost anything. He had an opinion on almost everything. He didn't suffer fools. He loved his family. He saw the world. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Dorothy J. Hasty (San Miguel de Allende, Mex.), Mercedes A. Fernandez (Tampa) and his brother, Frank A. Fernandez (New York City). He is survived by his sister, Carmen (Nicki) Fernandez Smith (Tallahassee); his brother, Julian J. Fernandez (San Miguel de Allende, Mex.); nieces and nephews, cousins, longtime neighbors and lifelong friends. At Joe's express instruction, there is to be no service. Friends are invited to lift a glass to Joe and remember him when and if they like.

View Guest Book www.tampabay.com/obits