Frank Fernandez

Fernandez, Frank F. Jr. "Coach Rock"

83, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Tampa, Florida, on November 19, 1941, Frank was an educator, coach, devoted husband, father, and friend who inspired and guided countless young people to pursue excellence in the classroom, on the playing field, and in their lives.

A lifelong resident of Tampa, Frank attended and played football for Jesuit High School (Class of 1959) and graduated from the University of Tampa (1963). Later that same year, Frank wed his lifelong sweetheart, Nancy Sierra, beginning a marriage that lasted 62 years. Frank went on to obtain a master's degree in education from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in 1970, relocating his young family to Oxford, Mississippi, during the summer months so he could continue teaching in Tampa during the school year.

After graduating from Ole Miss, Frank and Nancy returned to Tampa, where he served as Dean of Boys, first at Young Junior High and then at Leto High School. Frank was then promoted to Assistant Principal, first at Jefferson High School and later at Leto High School, where he also served as Athletic Director. Frank remained at Leto until 1983, when he left to join the blossoming Tampa Electric Company. He worked in a variety of roles at TECO and headed the customer service department until 1999. To close out his professional life, Frank returned once again to the Hillsborough County School District, becoming its first Energy Conservation Supervisor. He retired from the school system in 2001.

A dedicated and supportive father to his children, Frank taught by example the value of balancing strength with compassion and humor with kindness. An avid outdoorsman, Frank enjoyed bird hunting, trout fishing, and traveling with Nancy and his extended circle of lifelong friends. Summers were spent at his home on Anna Maria Island, and every fall weekend Frank and his family traveled to Gainesville, cheering on his beloved Florida Gators. Every Sunday, Frank faithfully attended Catholic Mass to honor a commitment he made to God.

Frank was a "man for others" in every sense-a public servant who spent a lifetime teaching young people, many of whom went on to become respected doctors, lawyers, and valuable members of our community. He was a good man and a shining example for those fortunate enough to share his company.

Frank is survived by his loving family: wife, Nancy Fernandez; daughter, Nannette Fernandez Harvey (Todd); son, Frank F. Fernandez, III (Jennifer); five beautiful granddaughters, Morgan Ramsey (Tyler), Alexis Harvey, Isabella "Ella" Fernandez, Adyson Harvey, and Olivia Fernandez; great-grandsons, Colton and Hudson Ramsey; brothers, Charles Fernandez and David Fernandez; and sister, Mary Ann Fontaine (Richard).

The family will receive visitors at 10 am on Friday, June 20, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, prior to a 10:30 am. funeral Mass. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Columbia Centennial Museum, 2029 E. 7th Avenue, Ybor City.

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