Joseph Fernekes Obituary

Joseph (Joe) Fernekes Longtime councilman and former mayor of South San Francisco entered into rest on August 6, 2008, at the age of 58. Beloved husband for 31 years to Denise Fernekes. Loving father of Danielle (Vincent) Fornesi and Megan (Jason Portillo) Fernekes. Son-in-law of Roy and Rose Bava. Brother of Robert Fernekes. Brother-in-law of Beth and John O'Hara, David and Christine Fera. Uncle of Linda Fernekes and Natalie Redd. Nephew of Dorothy O'Brien, Carol Hawkins and George Pozzi. Cousin of Leann (Roel) Deang, David and Camille Pozzi, Tom O'Brien, Jan Drenth and John (Monica) Drenth. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Melanie Fernekes. Joe was active in many organizations helping all of them in their fundraising efforts. He was a member of the following organizations: the Young Men's Institute, Council #32, ICF, Branch 7, So. SF Lions, Italian American Social Club, So. SF PAL Boosters, So. SF Historical Society. He was a political leader in San Mateo County who lead by example and was well liked by all. His mark in the politics of So. SF and the county will be dearly missed. Friend may visit between 12-3pm, Mon., Aug. 11, Garden Chapel, 885 El Camino Real, So. SF and also between 5-6:45pm All Souls Church, corner of Walnut and Miller Ave., So. SF where a Vigil Service will be offered at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be at 10am, Tues., Aug. 12, All Souls Church. Committal, Holy Cross Cemetery. Contributions may be made in memory of Joe Fernekes to the Louis P. Guaraldi Food Basket Program, YMI #32, P.O. Box 1161, So.SF, CA 94083-1161, or Plymire Schwarz Museum, So. SF Historical Society, P.O. Box 711, So. SF, CA 94083, or American Diabetes Assoc., 4040 More Park Ave., #105, San Jose, CA 94117, or Fixing God's House, All Souls Church, 315 Walnut Ave., So. SF, CA 94080. Garden Chapel Funeral Directors (650) 583-2510

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 9 to Aug. 10, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Fernekes

12 Entries

Donna and Don Davis

August 12, 2008

Denise: We got to know Joe when he was just beginning to work in the SSF School District at El Rancho Elementary School...he was really able to reach our daughter Jennifer. We got to know him well and loved him dearly. Through the years he was a good friend, we were always there for him and he for us and we worked to get him elected each time he ran for whatever. We are living in Oregon now and I just happened to be checking the obituaries in the San Mateo Times, I could not believe my eyes! Our heartfelt sympathy to you and the family, but know he is in a far better place, he is home with our Lord.

Roberta Kuskie

August 12, 2008

Dear Denise and family,

My husband and I were saddened by the news of Joe's passing and wish to express to you and your family our most heartfelt sympathy.

Please know that you are in our thoughts at this most difficult time.

Sincerely,

Jim & Roberta Kuskie

Rick Gower

August 12, 2008

Dear Fernekes Family.

Joe was a true gentleman who will be missed. He was a real inspiration to many. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

tony gonzalez

August 12, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Joe and his efforts have made a lasting impression on me. I will always remember him as a kind and thoughtful man.

Leo and Susan Filereto

August 11, 2008

To The Fernekes Family:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Elizabeth Nisperos

August 11, 2008

When Joe announced his retirement from the Council, I wrote a little poem for him and was going to recite it in his last day on council but because of a big project from work , I forgot about it.

THANK YOU MR. SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, JOE FERNEKES
(beloved former Mayor and Council member of the city of SSF)

Joe, who you are in this world
Is special and wonderful
In your own friendly way
Because of you the world is brighter
like the Day in the Park, you’d made your mark
We’re glad you have touched our lives
A delightful gift from Life itself
You stand out
Your friendly, open ways
Are much appreciated
So many distinguishing qualities
Are the reasons you, Joe, are unique
You're certainly one of a kind
You never would settle for less
Than being exceptional
You're not just good
You're the best
A toast to the way you were compiled
Your talk, and your walk and your smile
As champagne in a glass
You bubbled with class
And sparkled with a quiet style
An example to which many aspire
You are forever good and
Deserving of admiration
Others can look up to you, it's true
So thanks very much
For your special touch
We appreciate all that you’ve done

May God be with you always
May His blessings be with you forever
May you bend gracefully with the wind

Thank you, Joe, Mr. South San Francisco

With love and prayers from a Resident,
Elizabeth Nisperos

Casey Stockmal

August 11, 2008

Danielle and Family -
I was shocked and saddend upon hearing the news of your father's passing. Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for you but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief. Please be there for each other through these difficult moments. I didn't know your father that well, but he was one of the kindest, most gentle men I have ever met. And I know he loved you dearly. Please let us know if you need anything-we're just a phone call away.
Love Always,
Casey & Dave Stockmal

Polly Cortez

August 10, 2008

Denise and Family,

Lito and I have known Joe through the Sister City Committee since 1996. We can't imagine our world without Joe Fernekes, his kindness, compassion, warm respect for all people regardless of origin, color, or affiliation.
His 58 short years served many less fortunate people, not only in South San Francisco, but beyond his immediate borders. His contributions to the orphanage in Atotonilco Al Alto, specifically donating the gifts from their 25th wedding anniversary to the orphanage, shows his big and gentle heart. There are too many kind deeds he performed every day of his life to listed here. But above it all, Joe is a very sincere and caring human being.
We will miss him immensely.

Polly S. Cortez

Carolyn Arnold

August 10, 2008

To the Ferneskes Family,
May your happy memories help heal the sorrow of today.
All who knew Joe were touched by his grace, knowledge, kindness and service.
With healing thoughts from a caring heart.

Larry and Marguerite, Larry III, Stephanie and Tim Santy

August 9, 2008

To the Fernekes Family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Joe's untimely passing. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him or were touched by his giving spirit. Please accept our heart-felt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your fond memories of Joe help to carry you through this difficult journey.

Tracy Jimenez

August 9, 2008

Dear Fernekes Family,

I met Joe about 20 years ago while working for the City of SSF. Joe was always a very nice person who seemed to enjoy his work in politics - I'm sure SSF benefited greatly because of his input and direction.

With deepest sympathy and fond memories, Tracy (Heath) Jimenez

Charles and Jane Healey

August 9, 2008

To the Ferneke Family,

Joe will be missed by many, we only got to know him these last 15 years as a very good person for SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO in all the positions he held.
Always very friendly with us, and exchanged vegatable garden tidbits.
He will probably get a vegetable garden at his new HOME.
MAY HE REST IN PEACE
GOD BLESS YOU ALL, and give you all the strength to go on

Charles and Jane Healey

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