Antonio “Tony” Fernandez passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, at the age of 92, surrounded by his family at his home in Poinciana, Florida. His long and beautiful life was a testament to resilience, devotion, and quiet strength.

He was born in Havana, Cuba, on April 27, 1933, to Jose and Dolores Fernandez—both from Galicia, Spain. As a young man, he left his homeland to enlist in the U.S. Army, where he served honorably from 1955 to 1958 at the Pohakuloa Training Area in Oahu, Hawaii, with the 65th Engineer Company.

After his military service, Tony returned to Cuba and married the love of his life, Esperanza. Their partnership of 67 years was built on deep affection, shared dreams, and unwavering support for one another.

In 1959, with a newborn daughter, Tony and Esperanza made the brave decision to flee the unrest of the Cuban Revolution. They arrived in Miami, Florida, with all the money they had tucked into a toy doll.

In Miami, Tony worked tirelessly to provide for his growing family, taking on a variety of jobs that revealed his unshakable work ethic. From his time at First National Bank of Miami to managing a print shop and eventually rising to Vice President at American Building Maintenance.

In 1969, he moved his family to Orlando to join the opening team of Walt Disney World. Over a 30-year career, Tony proved to be an invaluable leader, eventually retiring as Supervisor of Custodial Services for all Disney Resorts. Among his proudest accomplishments was pioneering an initiative to hire hearing-impaired individuals a program that required him to learn sign language so he could teach, mentor, and lead with compassion and inclusivity.

Tony was a true renaissance man. A self-taught artist, builder, and lifelong learner, his creative spirit found expression in macramé, woodworking, and design. He once built a wrap-around wooden deck at his home—entirely by himself—a structure that still stands as a symbol of his craftsmanship.

In retirement, Tony and Esperanza enjoyed traveling the world together—cruising through Alaska, exploring Europe, and visiting the places of their ancestry in Spain and Portugal. These adventures reflected a life well lived and a love story that never faded.

Above all, Tony’s greatest legacy is his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Esperanza, and their six beloved children: Maria Paz (Nelson Zayas), Tony Jr. (Jill Fernandez), Cary (Jim Theis), Dolores (Tassos Paphites), Joe (his late wife Wendy), and Christina Fernandez. He also leaves behind his treasured grandchildren: Daniel, Amanda, and Alex Carasco (Carley), Gabrielle Decker (Josh), Sophia Fernandez, Andrea, Jason, and Ryan Paphites, and Kaitrin Young (Grey), as well as his cherished great-grandchildren: Rowan Decker, Greyson Young, and Emersyn Young.

Tony lived a rich and meaningful life, grounded in love, humility, and quiet acts of courage. He was a man who never sought recognition but who touched every life he encountered with kindness, integrity, and strength. His memory will be a guiding light to all who knew him.

A Funeral Mass to celebrate Tony’s life will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Celebration, Florida, on July 30th, 2025 at 11 a.m.