Fernando Andrade

When Fernando entered a room, with his straight posture and thick black hair he made an immediate impression. He was in command. If he was a stubborn man, it was because he believed in his convictions. The strongest of these was love for his family, especially his devoted daughter Ana Paula. The ever-protective father, he always made sure Paula was in good hands. His way was the best way and he did not compromise. This included having her mother or cousins as chaperones when she dated. His vigilance was rewarded when his daughter married Jack Cruz. Perhaps the only other man Fernando ever listened to, he respected and loved Jack from the day he met him. This abundant love showed a softer side when he was blessed by his three grandchildren who were the center of his universe. rnrnAs a tailor in Philadelphia he developed an eye for perfection, but got more pleasure out of fixing his twin granddaughters’ prom dresses. Always up for an adventure, his favorites were hunting, fishing and crabbing. He loved watching soccer and was often heard shouting his favorite Portuguese “phrases” at the TV. His sense of adventure stopped, however, when grandson Christopher got a new sports car; then he worried constantly. rnrnHe was very proud of his country of birth and returned regularly to Portugal for visits with family and friends. Neighbors talked about the great gifts he brought back for them. rnrnAfter courting another man for nearly a decade, a woman named Lidi would be swept off her feet by a handsome young Fernando. Within six months they were married. Before her passing in 1988, they shared the adventure of moving to the U.S. Their lives were blessed by their daughter Ana Paula Cruz (Joaquim) of Huntington Valley, PA, and their grandchildren: Lisa, Allyson and Christopher. Fernando is also survived by his brother Anibal (Pura) of Riverside, his 4 sisters in Portugal and many nieces and nephews.rnrnCome celebrate 76 years of living by his convictions (3/14/1933-3/12/2010) Monday from 6-8 PM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Interment will be in Portugal. rn