Anacleto "Andy" Fernandez, 83, Former U.S. Army Sergeant during WWII

Born on February 27, 1920 in Lares, Puerto Rico, he has lived in Lorain since 1951.

Andy graduated from Lares High School. He attended a vocational school to learn the plumbing trade in Utuado, Puerto Rico.

He served in the United States Army for 7 years as a sergeant during WWII, where he was stationed in Trinidad.

He was employed as a building inspector for the city of Lorain for 7 years, retiring in 1980, prior to this he was employed in the shipyard for the former American Shipbuilding Company for a number of years. In the 1950's he was a self-employed plumber and also worked at Brown-Fintub Company in Elyria for years.

He was a member of the Puerto Rican Home and the former Spanish Lodge.

He is survived by his son: Mike "Yiyi" Fernandez, of Elyria, daughters: Myrta Cuevas and Miriam Fernandez, both of Orlando, Florida, 5 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers-Nestor Fernandez, both of Lares, Emelia "Jimmy" Fernandez of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico and Thelma Fernandez of Newport Ritchey, Florida: numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his wife: Crucita Felicita Fernandez in 1995; 4 brothers- Rafael Fernandez, Ramon Fernandez, Ajenol "Attila" Fernandez and Fernando Fernandez; one sister- Delia Molina.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 14, 2003 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Ave., Lorain, where services will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Rev. Tony DeGracia, deacon, at Sacred Heart Chapel, Lorain, will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.