George Joseph Fernandez

Portland- George J. Fernandez, 93, of Carter Street died peacefully on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House with his loving family by his side. George was born in Brooklyn, NY on February 22, 1929, the son of the late Angel Ortiz Fernandez and Louise Maria (Santana) Fernandez. He graduated from Samuel Tilden High School in the class of 1947. Following high school George went to work for the Columbia Recording Co. and then the Metropolitan Opera before being drafted in 1950 to serve in the United States Army during the Korean War. On February 1, 1958, George married the love of his life, Alice Ann Casale at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, together they shared 66 years of marriage. After returning from the War George joined the New York City Police Department as a patrol officer, retiring as a detective in 1974 after 25 years of service. George and Alice then returned to Maine where he worked another 10 years as private investigator. George was passionate about music and especially loved classical and opera. He was an accomplished concert violinist who was accepted to the Julliard music school and played with the USM chamber orchestra. He studied under Stephen Kecskemethy the concert master of the Portland Symphony Orchestra where he filled in as a violinist. He also played piano along with several other instruments. His greatest love was the time he spent surrounded by his family. George will be remembered as a peacemaker who never raised his voice, would do anything to help others, and a kind soul with a great sense of humor. George was predeceased by three sons, George Joseph Jr. and twins Samuel and Angel; two sisters, Marie Anderson and Gloria Fernandez. He is survived by his wife, Alice A. Fernandez of Portland; a son, Joseph Fernandez of Portland; three daughters, Anne Fernandez of Portland, Susan Grassi of Portland and Gloria Burrage of Portland; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. At the family’s request all services will be private. Burial will be in the Long Island National Veterans Cemetery, Long Island, NY. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, ME. To view George’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com