Danny Fernandez

We are deeply saddened to announce the death of our father, brother, uncle and friend Danny Fernandez. Dan passed away Sunday, July 24, 2022, at age 82, in his home with family and his youngest brother and faithful companion Jerry, by his side.
Danny was born in Carlsbad, NM, November 2, 1939 to Hipolito "Opo" and Frances (Luna) Fernandez. He attended Carlsbad High and enjoyed sports during his years there, and was damn good at them! He was nicknamed "Mighty Mite" by then Current-Argus sports editor Jerry Dorbin and thought of as the backbone of then Coach Ralph Bowyer's split-T offense. In 1958 he had the distinction of being the only Carlsbad player to ever earn All-State honors in football, basketball and baseball all in the same season and was also the recipient of an MVP and Pate Award.
After graduation, he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961-1965 and was stationed in Maine. He began work at the IMC Potash Mine in the mid-70s and worked for many years prior to retiring around 2001.
Danny and his brother Jerry were avid fans and faithful supporters of Cavemen and Cavegirl football, baseball, softball and basketball teams. Together they traveled around the state to support their alma mater. For at least 30 years or more they faithfully followed the Cavemen and Cavegirls for not only regular season games, but also for District and State Championship play.
Danny was preceded in death by his father Hipolito Fernandez, mother Frances Fernandez, sister Rachel Smith, brothers, Henry Fernandez and Bobby Fernandez and nephew Alan Smith. He leaves behind his son, Fabian Fernandez, step-children, Johnny Raye Nanez and Tami Nanez; grandsons, Matthew Michael Fernandez and Ethan Michael Montes; sister Pearl Griego (Sammy); brother Jerry Fernandez and sister-in-law Yolanda (Jolie) Fernandez; nephews and nieces Terry Smith, Grace Centrella, Anjeanette Alford and Dominic Smith; Larry Fernandez, Gerald Fernandez and Shelly Collins; Clarissa Lovato, Eric Griego and Anisa Griego-Quintana.
Rosary for Danny will be recited at 10:30 AM, Friday, July 29, 2022 at San Jose Catholic Church, followed by Mass of Christian burial at 11 AM, with Fr. Valentine Jankowski, O.F.M., Conv., of Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine & Parish in Mesilla Park, NM celebrating. Interment will follow at Sunset Gardens Cemetery with Military Honors by the Holloman AFB Steel Talons Honor Guard. Visitation will be 1-6 PM, Thursday at West Funeral Home.
Pallbearers: Ethan Montes, Terry Smith, Dominic Smith, Larry Fernandez, Gerald Fernandez, Eric Griego and Ted Lovato.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests making a donation in his name, to his church parish, San Jose Catholic Church or to a charity of your choosing.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of
Danny Fernandez, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.