Wilfredo "Willie" Fernandez

Wilfredo “Willie” Fernandez, 89, a native of the Philippines and longtime resident of Gulfport, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Select Specialty Hospital with family by his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Esteban and Sebastiana Fernandez, beloved daughter, Melissa Lacap Fernandez and siblings, Roberto, Gilda, Rosendo and Edeltrudes. Wilfredo is survived by his devoted children, Caprina Fernandez, Marie (Joe) Browder, Valentina (Michael) Baker, Edna (Austin) Hill, Wilfredo (Jeannine) Fernandez, and Melinda (Luke) Michaels; his sisters, Lilia, Elisa, Elena; and brother, Billardo. His legacy endures through his cherished grandchildren, Jacob, Justin, Meredith, Robyn, Victoria, Carrie, Rochelle, Michael, Holly, Phillip, Lori, Apple, Paris, and William; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Wilfredo proudly served in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1974, which included two tours to Vietnam and achieving the rank of SDC Chief Petty Officer.

As a devoted parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church, he shared his commitment to his faith and the community as a 4th Degree Knight and Charter Member of the Fr. Harry Wade Council # 7910, Assembly #2347 of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a past member of FIL-AM (Filipino American Association) and lifetime Master of AFIA (American Filipino International Association) reflecting his deep ties to both his heritage and his adopted home.

A man of many passions, Wilfredo found joy in gardening, music, embracing the ever-evolving world of technology, cooking and spending quality time with his grandchildren and granddogs, Fae and Bandit. Wilfredo’s warm presence and unwavering dedication to his family will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 6th from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 7th at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 12290 Depew Road, Gulfport, MS at 11:30AM, where friends may visit one hour prior. Wilfredo will be laid to rest at the Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Avenue, Biloxi, MS at 1:30PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church c/o Knights of Columbus, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 and the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family. Please sign the online guestbook, and share memories & photos at www.riemannfamily.com