Celso Fernandez' Obituary

Celso "Uncle 'Song" Fernandez was a feisty and gentle soul - father, brother, uncle, husband, and friend. Uncle 'Song, as he was fondly called by nephews and nieces will always be remembered for his love of music, the Beatles, Eagles, Bee Gees, John Denver, AND playing the guitar.  New Year's Eve is not complete until Uncle 'Song leads, walking around with his guitar, singing "Auld Lang Syne".  During family parties and get togethers, he would cook "dinuguan", a Filipino savory stew usually of pork and/or meat simmered in a rich, spicy dark gravy of "chocolate sauce", garlic, chili, and vinegar and "kare-kare", a Philippine stew that features a thick savory peanut sauce made from a base of stewed oxtail, beef tripe and various cuts of pork.

Celso was born on April 19, 1953 in Manila, Philippines. He had two children with Annie Fernandez: Andrew and Adrienne.  He married Kristin Bermejo in Pandacan, Manila where he retired ten years ago.  He coached a basketball team, "1901 Home of the Elite" and in 2014 became the BBAC Champions Kids Division.  He was so proud of his 1901 basketball team!

He leaves behind a closely-knit family of five brothers and two sisters, 17 nephews and nieces, and 8 great-nephews/nieces and of course, Andrew and Adrienne.  Kristin, his wife of 10 years took care of him while recovering from his illness before eventually returning to the United States in June 2021. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family on September 26, 2021.  Uncle 'Song is loved and will be very much missed.

A Celebration of Life with viewing is scheduled for October 15, 2021 at Bernardo-Poway Mortuary Chapel, from 4-8pm.