The Last Sailor: A Life After Pearl Harbor

Bob Fernandez, a centenarian who survived the infamous 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, recently left us quietly in California. At 100 years old, he couldn't attend the December 7 remembrance ceremony, marking 83 years since the tragedy. The event that plunged the US into World War II had shaken his life as a 17-year-old mess cook aboard the USS Curtiss. He witnessed the frightening sight of Japanese planes from a porthole. In an interview shortly before his passing, Fernandez recalled feeling terrified, unsure of what was happening. His ship lost 21 men, and over 2, 300 U. S. servicemen perished in the bombing. Of these, nearly half were aboard the USS Arizona. Fernandez commented, "We lost a lot of good people, you know. They didn’t do nothing. But we never know what’s going to happen in a war. " Post-war, Fernandez settled in San Leandro, California, driving a forklift at a cannery. He remained married to his wife, Mary, for 65 years until her death in 2014. Up until late in his life, he enjoyed music and dancing at local events. He also assisted neighbors with yard work. His nephew, Joe Guthrie, remembers Fernandez's dedication to service. "It was just completely ingrained in him, " said Guthrie, noting his uncle's pride in his Navy service. Regarding his long life, Fernandez advised stopping to eat when full and taking stairs for exercise. "Be kind to everyone, " he recommended. Fernandez's passing leaves 16 known survivors of Pearl Harbor, all over 100. His nephew believes Fernandez would want to be remembered for spreading joy, helping neighbors, and being a generous person.