Richard Fernandez

Richard D. Fernandez

Richard D. Fernandez, 82, of Scotch Plains, NJ died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, March 12, 2016.

Dick was born in Detroit, Michigan, raised in Newark, resided for many years in Union, and built his dream house in Scotch Plains with his wife Ellen.

He honorably served the United States for 3 years in the Army in Japan and incongruously was a cook and a baker, in effect beginning his career service to his friends and comrade. Newark was the epicenter for Dick. He came home from the military with a small nest egg and his ingenuity. He started with a candy store and soda fountain, went into the limousine business and in one of those quirks of life, had a connection with the Kennedy campaign where he was called upon to assemble 16 limos and drivers for the caravan of the future president.

As one business was successful, he ventured into others. He started Diamond State Poultry, Euro Record, a music import and export business, acquired numerous pieces of commercial real estate over the years and was an anchor for many small businesses down neck.

Newark wasn't big enough. South America and the Far East called wherein he extended his touch for the manufacture and importation of Rattan furniture. His Business career continued into C&F, a financial business which has locations in Newark and Union. After he retired from that, he joined his wife Ellen in Martin Jewelers and began to learn the world of high-end watches and the intricacies of dealing with the Swiss and the luxury consumer.

Dick was the quiet keystone for his friends and family. Over the years he became the person that those in need would go to. Tuition, late mortgage payments, medical  bills, the support of those who needed assistance was always on his mind. He took care of his immediate family and his extended family and friends. He made charitable contributions to senior citizens, car services for the nuns at St. Mary's, and even if you had gone to him before, you still felt confident you could still ask his assistance again.

A true gentleman who touched many lives and will be deeply missed.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife Ellen Ramer-Fernandez, Sisters in law Roseanne Fernandez, Cathy Tring (Howard), Diane Fink (Pat), Michael Ramer (Sharon), Betty Volker,  nephews Ronald Conklin, John Fernandez (Ellen), niece Donna Beigert (Fred), grandchildren Michelle Perna-Ligus, her husband Phil, Celeste Perna, and Michael Perna Jr., 5 great grandchildren, 7 great nieces and nephews, and all of the Ramer nieces and nephews. Numerous lifelong friends especially Alex Neu, Tony Gambarony and Robert DeGroot.

Dick was Predeceased by his parents Michael and Margaret Fernandez, siblings Michael, Dolores, Ralph, Ethel, Robert, and Henry. Previous wife Josephine (nee Messina) and son Michael Perna Sr.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 from 1-5pm and 6-9pm at Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Ave, Union, NJ. A funeral mass will be offered Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 10:00AM at St. Helen's Church, 1600 Rahway Road, Westfield, NJ. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Broad St., Westfield, NJ.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Sr. Jacinta Fernandes, St. Joseph Social Service Center, 118 Division St, Elizabeth, NJ 07201 and Helping Hands and Hearts c/o St. Helen's Church. For directions, further information and to send condolence messages to the family, please visit www.galanteFH.com