On the feast of St. John of the Cross (December 14, 2021), and two days after his 77th birthday, Jorge Fernández embarked on his final  adventure to his eternal rest in Heaven. Beloved husband of Diana (Zavarce) Fernández; loving father of Maria (Timothy) Ahola, Jorge Ignacio (Mayra) Fernández, Mariano Fernández, Carlos (Brenda) Fernández, Diana (Alberto) Lagunas, Marian (Matt) Zielinski, Laura (Alejandro) Hernández, & Alfonso Fernández; proud grandfather of 32 grandchildren; dear brother of Rosario Fernández; uncle and friend to many. It is a privilege and honor to be Jorge’s children. He will be forever remembered as a devoted husband and father whose Catholic Faith was the heartbeat of his life.

Jorge Fernández was born in Tarragona, Spain on Dec 12, 1944 to Jose Fernández and Cecilia Rofin. Six years later, he embarked on his first journey, crossing the Atlantic with his family to immigrate to Venezuela. In the next 71 years, Jorge would continue to go on countless adventures; from wooing the love of his life and wife of 53 years Diana Zavarce in La Universidad Central de Venezuela, where he graduated with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in Electrical Engineering, to raising eight energetic children, moving his family from their home in Venezuela to the unknown in Skokie, Illinois, and eventually diving wholeheartedly into the joys of being a grandfather.

Jorge was a tireless worker and volunteer. Thanks to Gerald Specht, he came to work for NOTIS Systems at Northwestern University, where he traveled the world, installing library computer systems on every continent. He was a teacher and mentor to many, and working alongside him was always a pleasure. He started volunteering at a young age, bringing food and the Word of Christ to the poor of Venezuela. In his later years, he dedicated countless hours to his local parish and served behind the scenes at Northridge Preparatory School, where his unassuming personality endeared him to staff, students, and teachers alike.

Jorge lived many roles, but in all of them his Catholic faith was his compass. As the patriarch of his family, he set the example of what it meant to be a true, God-centered gentleman. He never raised his voice, but was a tenacious force for good and a man of unshakeable integrity. To his family, he was the calming force, bringing peace and light to every room he entered. When his children’s strong personalities led to explosive arguments, he could effortlessly shift the atmosphere with a cheesy dad-joke or a wise-cracking wordplay. When you thought no one noticed you, Jorge did. He saw each person clearly and found ways to relate to everyone he interacted with — whether that was one of his children, a grandchild, a friend or a stranger. He was a source of beauty in daily life, gently bringing God into each individual encounter. There is no creature (man or animal) that met him that disliked him. Every person he met recognized his beautiful spirit, and every person loved him.

Jorge was happiest when surrounded by his family, and he delighted in bringing each of us immeasurable joy. He conspired to make every casual visit last the whole day (and often did). Just when you were ready to leave, he would bring out the chorizo, the cheese, and the ice cream, making sure your visit lasted at least a little longer. Truthfully, it was never too hard for him to convince anyone to stay. Summers were full of grandchildren swimming in his backyard, family barbecues, and noisy, messy parties full of food and laughter. Winters found everyone in a house that was far too small, but full of love.

Jorge was an adventurous spirit. He loved trying new things, tasting new things, and seeing new places. Our hearts are shattered at his loss, but we are also full of gratitude. The legacy he left behind will last forever.

Visitation 3pm to 9pm on Monday, December 27, 2021 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Family & friends will meet for Mass at 10am on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at St. Mary of the Angels, 1850 N. Hermitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60622. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Mary of the Angels Parish or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be appreciated. Funeral information: (708) 352-6500.