CPL Ralph P. Fernandez “Rocky”

USMC, Diesel Mechanic

A lifelong resident of Newark left this life on September 9 ^th to join his fellow Marines who predeceased him.

Visitation will be on Sunday, September 14 ^th , 2 to 6pm at Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Avenue, Union. A funeral mass will be held 10am on Monday, September 15 ^th , at St. Helen’s Roman Catholic Church, 1600 Rahway Road, Westfield.

Born in Detroit, July 20, 1929, Ralph moved to Newark with his family, where he spent the remainder of his life. Influenced by his service to God and country in the United States Marine Corps, he was a self-taught world historian specializing in all things military.

He leaves behind his beloved Rose Ann, son John and his wife Ellen, grandchildren Gabrielle, Andrew, and Jillian Schafer and her husband Justin. Also his brother Richard and his wife Ellen, and multiple nieces and nephews.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that