Antonio A. Fernandez

Antonio A. Fernandez, 64, died at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Santa Clara, Cuba, February 19,1949. At the tender age of 13, he fled to the United States on the Peter Pan flights in 1962 and his family followed a year later. After graduating from Dixie Hollins High School, he attended St. Andrews College on a basketball and academic scholarship, and later earned his Masters and Ph.D. at The University of Kentucky. An esteemed language professor and author at Virginia Tech from 1979-2010, he received many teaching honors during his tenure. He also worked with the U.S. government on language proficiency evaluations. He retired to St. Petersburg in 2011. Antonio is survived by his wife of 35 years, Corinne; mother Yolanda; brothers Humberto and Jorge ( Susan); sister Yolanda Walker (John); nieces and nephews. A gathering will be held at the David C. Gross Funeral Home in Clearwater on Friday, June 21st from 1-2 PM. Mass will be celebrated immediately following at 2:30 PM at Light of Christ Catholic Church, 2176 Marilyn Street, Clearwater, Florida 33765. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Belcher Road Chapel in Clearwater (830 N. Belcher Road) is serving the family. Service Information