Ricardo Fernandez

Ricardo S, Fernandez Sr, 81, of San Antonio,TX was called home to the Lord on Dec.27,2021. Ricardo was born in Donie,TX to Tomasa Sanchez and Jesus M Fernandez into a large family of migrant laborers. His family moved around the states picking crops from cherries in Minnesota to crops in California to cotton in Lorenzo,TX. He met Lydia, his future wife, in Lorenzo,TX as her family was also involved in picking cotton. They married November 3,1958, leading to an almost 62 year marriage. Although his formal schooling was minimal, he was not afraid of working hard and went on to accomplish much. He was able to provide a comfortable home for his wife and 9 children as a skilled Ironworker. In 1964 he moved his family to San Antonio and joined Ironworkers Union Local 66 as part of the members that started the Local chapter. He took part in building structures that became iconic in San Antonio such as the 1968 World’s Fair, now known as the Hemisphere which started construction in 1966, It included the Tower of the Americas, Institute of Texas Cultures, Lila Cockerell Theatre, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, the Riverwalk extension on Commerce St. and La Villita Assembly Hall. Prior to Hemisphere, he worked on the C5-A cargo plane hangars at Kelly AFB, then the new North Star Mall and many structures at Medical Center including UTHSC and the Medical Plaza. He also mentioned Wilford Hall and Audie Murphy Hospital. Ricardo also did the certified welding at the new UTSA campus on Loop 1604. One of his best memories he mentioned was when they built the Chancellory for the Archdiocese of San Antonio. He said Archbishop Flores would come by every morning to bless the ironworkers before they started work for the day. He also worked on the Botanical Gardens and many other projects before retiring to spend time with family, friends and especially the love of his life Lydia, for 62 years. He was happy striking up conversations with anyone he met and would help those in need whether monetary or fixing something for them. He also passed his knowledge on to his sons and daughters or anyone willing to learn. Ricardo loved spending time with his family and supported his children and grandchildren’s endeavors of sports, music, dance, agriculture and anything else they tried. He enjoyed rooting for the Cowboys and the Spurs as well as fishing and taking care of his lawn. Over the years, many people described him as a great man, to us he was Dad. He was survived by his children: Teresa Martin; Ricardo Fernandez,Jr (Julie); Gloria Fernandez; Margaret Vela (Daniel); Alfredo Fernandez (Kim); Dolores Marryott; Gilbert Fernandez; Olivia Fernandez.
His grandchildren: Alyssa Chrismer. Ric Fernandez III, Raymond Fernandez, Gabriel Fernandez, Nathan Jefferson, Daniel Vela,Jr, Nicole Hernandez, Madlyn Vela, LillyAnne Vela, Diana Guerrero, Joshua Fernandez, Anissa Fernandez, Sabrina Schoepske, Jessica Ainsworth,
April Ainsworth, Samantha Casillas, Clay Ainsworth IV, Robert Marryott, Michael Marryott, Juliana Garcia. He is also survived by over 20 great-grandchildren, as well as his Brothers and Sisters: Alfredo Fernandez (Amelia); Jesus Fernandez Jr. (Josie); Pablo Fernandez; Raul Fernandez (Linda); Dalia Garcia (Ruben). Ricardo was preceded in death by his wife, Lydia C Fernandez; daughter Mary Helen Ainsworth, son-in-laws John Martin, Clayton Ainsworth,III; parents Tomasa and Jesus Fernandez; parents-in-law Maria and Antonio Coy; brothers and sisters, Celia Fernandez, Amalia Guerrero, Maria Losoya, Jorge Fernandez,Jose Fernandez, Benito Fernandez

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