Alvin C. Fernandes Jr.

Alvin C. Fernandes, Jr. A lifelong resident of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully November 30, 2004, at St. Vincent Hospital. An Eagle Scout, he graduated from Shortridge High School and received a B. S. from Indiana University. He served his country in the US Army from 1941-1946 during World War II, as well as during the Korean War from 1951-1953 being discharged as a captain in the infantry. His professional career was tied to his volunteer career and service to his community. After a brief tenure with Allison Engineering in Indianapolis, he joined L.S. Ayres and Company in 1947, and served among other positions as the store manager in Lafayette and at Glendale, Treasurer, Executive Vice President, President of the Department Store Division, and Executive Vice-president of Ayres Division of Associated Dry Goods Corporation. After his retirement in 1980, he served as President of the Merchants Association of Indianapolis and as a consultant. He also served as the chairman and president of the Indiana Retail Council. Mr. Fernandes was most proud of the growth of the city to which he felt he contributed. From participation on the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee and Chamber of Commerce to being the Founding Chairman of the Commission for Downtown, he was actively involved in community affairs and promotion. He was a director for the Downtown Promotion Committee, the Indiana Convention and Visitors Bureau and the "500" Festival Associates. Mr. Fernandes was also concerned about the welfare of the citizens of the city and followed that interest through participation on the United Way Board of Governors and as chairman and president of Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana. He was also a national director of Goodwill Industries of America, Inc., and the founder and president of Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana Foundation. Further, he was both chairman and director of the Winona Hospital and Memorial Foundation, Inc, and the Walther Medical Research Institute, Inc, as well as serving as president of the Winona Hospital Board of Directors. After his retirement, he continued his interest in the city through the Merchants Association, as a director of the Downtown Merchants Development Corporation, and as a limited partner in the Majestic Associates Inc., and One North Capitol Associates. In addition to his professional and civil work, he valued friendships from all periods of his life. He was fun and funny and brought people together. His participation in the Mystic Tie Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Junto of Indianapolis Club, Meridian Hills Country Club, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, Meridian Street United Methodist Church and Half Century Investment Club enriched his life and that of the people with whom he came into contact. Memorial services will be held on Friday December 3, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. in the Meridian Street United Methodist Church 5500 N. Meridian St. Family and friends will gather on Thursday December 2, 2004 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Leppert Life Story Funeral Home, Nora Chapel, where you are invited to visit : www.lifestorynet.com where you can read Al's life story and share a personal memory or make memorial contributions to the Goodwill Industries, United Christmas Service, 3901 N. Meridian St. Indpls., IN 46208 or Delta Tau Delta Foundation, 1000 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038. Mr. Fernandes was the widower of Lucile Broich Fernandes and the husband of Nancy Ferguson Fernandes. He will be greatly missed by her as well as his children Caryl (Bert) Wilhoite, Patricia Fernandes, his three grandchildren: Bret (Erin) Wilhoite, Rebecca (Tony) Jacklin, and Sara Yoder; and his great-grandson AJ. He is also survived by his brother Bill (Janet) Fernandes and a niece and two nephews.