By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Bob Fernandez, a 100-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor and USS Curtiss veteran, passed away peacefully at his nephew’s home in California. His death followed a recent stroke that prevented him from attending the 83rd anniversary commemoration in Hawaii. A mess cook during the attack, Fernandez witnessed firsthand the bombing and its devastating impact, losing shipmates in the process. He lived a full life, marked by his naval service, community involvement, and generosity, leaving behind a legacy of kindness.
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Bob Fernandez, a 100-year-old survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack, passed away peacefully at his home. His death, 83 years after the bombing that changed the course of history, marks the end of a life that spanned a century of incredible change and witnessed firsthand some of the most pivotal moments of the 20th century. It’s a poignant reminder of the dwindling number of those who lived through that horrific day, a day that shaped not only their lives but the trajectory of the world.
His passing evokes a sense of profound loss, not just for his family and friends, but for all of us who understand the significance of his survival and the weight of history he carried. To imagine the stories he could tell, the experiences he held within him, is to grasp the magnitude of what’s been lost with his death. It’s a reminder to cherish the stories of those who lived through such momentous events, before they fade away with the passing of time.
The sheer improbability of his long life, reaching the age of 100 after enduring the trauma of Pearl Harbor, is striking. It highlights the resilience of the human spirit, the capacity to overcome unimaginable hardship and live a full life afterward. The fact that he passed peacefully at home is, in itself, a kind of solace; a gentle ending to a life that had seen more than its share of turbulence.
Thinking about the other Pearl Harbor survivors, the diminishing number of those who witnessed the attack firsthand, brings a stark sense of perspective. It makes you realize just how quickly history is slipping away, how vital it is to preserve the memories and lessons of those who lived through such momentous events. The dwindling number of these heroes emphasizes the urgent need to document their experiences before they’re lost forever. We’re left with just a small number of witnesses to a moment that defined a generation.
The stories shared about Mr. Fernandez’s life, both directly and indirectly, illustrate the varied ways in which the events of Pearl Harbor impacted individuals. For instance, the anecdote of the grandfather who, due to a bar fight, missed the initial wave of attacks and consequently survived is chillingly illustrative of the randomness and chance that played such a significant role in determining survival that day. The fact that this grandfather also later played a role in the shooting down of Admiral Yamamoto, the mastermind behind Pearl Harbor, adds another layer of complexity and historical significance to his experience.
The comments regarding cyclical patterns in history, both the rise and fall of economic systems and the recurring themes of greed and communal cooperation, are indeed thought-provoking. History often presents itself in a cyclical way, with periods of prosperity and progress often followed by cycles of hardship and conflict. The experiences of generations shaped by the Great Depression and World War II, and their children’s perceived entitlement, point to complex socio-economic trends.
There’s also the debate surrounding what constitutes a “peaceful” death. While many might romanticize the idea of passing quietly in one’s sleep, the reality is often more complex. It’s important to acknowledge that death, even a peaceful one, is still a profound experience for those left behind. But the focus shouldn’t be on the mechanics of death, but on the life lived. Mr. Fernandez lived a full life; that’s what matters.
Ultimately, Bob Fernandez’s death serves as a sobering reminder of our shared history and the importance of remembering those who sacrificed and survived during times of war and turmoil. His life, stretching across a century, has become part of the broader narrative of America in the 20th and early 21st centuries. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience and a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure. He was a man who lived through history, and his passing closes another chapter in this ongoing story. The stories of these last few survivors are priceless, and their memories must be preserved for generations to come.