Robert Fernandez

Fernandez Robert Constantino Age 81, formerly of Audubon and Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, a tax and estate attorney in private practice for close to 50 years, died on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center in Gilbert, Arizona, after a brief illness. A man known for his kindness, affability, integrity, and generosity, Bob was a longtime Lower Providence Township fixture and devoted Philadelphia sports fan before retiring to Arizona in 2014. Born August 7, 1940, in Abington, Pennsylvania, to Constantino and Josephine Fernandez, Bob grew up in Willow Grove and loved going to the movies with his big sister, Joan. Until he was an adult he thought all Jujyfruits tasted like licorice because those were the only ones his sister shared. He made lifelong friends—a recurring theme throughout his life—while attending Abington High School, from which he graduated in 1958. His passion for sports—as an enthusiastic participant, a competitive coach, and a devoted fan—was legendary. In high school he briefly ran back kickoffs for the football team until he realized that the referee asking him if he was hurt after every tackle probably meant that his skills were better used elsewhere. Despite early knee injuries, he continued to play tennis, racquetball, pickle ball, and golf well into his later years. Bob worked many jobs in his youth, including caddying at a local golf course despite the fact that the golf bags weighed more than he did (the hot dogs at the end of the round were heaven, though), to earn money that he eventually used to pay his way through Ursinus College. At Ursinus, after briefly dating her older sister, Linda, he met Susan Peiffer, who would become his wife and partner in crime for almost 60 years. He graduated from Dickinson School of Law in 1965 then earned a master's degree in taxation from New York University School of Law. After serving in the Army Reserves, Bob started his legal career at the Norristown law firm of Scirica and McGrory before becoming a partner at the renamed McGrory, Wentz, Fernandez and Albright, where he nurtured a long and successful career as an attorney, a trusted counselor to local families and family-owned businesses, and a solicitor to several municipal authorities throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. Bob and Sue raised three sons, Todd, Jay, and Adam, in Audubon, and later in life Bob shared his fatherly skills with his "little brother" Jonathen Simmons. His role as a father figure extended to others around the world, including "sons" and "daughters" from Spain and the former Soviet republic of Georgia for whom he facilitated extended visits to the United States. He taught all of his children valuable lessons, including that you must choose your battles and that chores are not allowed to involve fun. In addition to being a great husband and father, Bob had a lifelong devotion to service. For friends and extended family, his support and emotional availability were unfailing. He influenced scores of young people while coaching them on soccer and baseball fields in Audubon and beyond. As president of the Methacton School District's school board during a lengthy teacher's strike, he missed his beloved Philadelphia Phillies winning their first World Series title so he could lead a negotiating session that went past midnight. His philanthropy extended to many progressive causes and those in need around the world. Bob loved soaking up American history, listening to Mose Allison and Willie Nelson, watching Westerns and action movies, snacking on Goldenberg's Peanut Chews (especially at Flyers games), reading political thrillers, talking politics (even with those who saw things differently than he did), and seeking out big cats. His Crown Royal Manhattans were iconic, and he shared them with everyone. He traveled the world and made friends everywhere he visited. Bob concluded his working career with a perfect embodiment of all his life's interests: he helped establish the Genuardi Family Foundation and evaluate the charitable causes it would support. He retired to Arizona in 2014 but remained an avid fan of all Philadelphia sports teams. As his grandchildren continued his athletic legacy on soccer fields and tennis courts around the country, he was able to see them play in videos and occasionally in person while offering his sage commentary on the game—sometimes for all to hear. Every time you spoke to him he would tell you how the Phillies did that day, often with a grumble of complaint but never without total love for his team. Bob is survived by his wife, Susan Peiffer Fernandez; sons Todd Robert Fernandez (Cathy), Jay Allen Fernandez (Sepideh), and Adam Lee Fernandez (Kate); grandchildren Ethan, Sadie, Huck, Jonah, Evie, Paul, and Bijan; and sister, Joan Fernandez Knecht. An open house and Celebration of Bob's remarkable Life will be held from 1-4 P.M. in Schellhase Commons on the Ursinus College campus on Sunday, August 7, 2022, what would have been his 82nd birthday. In lieu of flowers, Bob would love donations to be directed to the Fernandez-Peiffer-Manzo-Minardi Endowed Scholarship Fund at Ursinus College, which he initially established and funded in 1983 in memory of his father. Memorial contributions should be mailed c/o Ursinus College, Advancement Office, PO Box 1000, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426-1000.