Jose Fernandez-Delgado Obituary

Jose Jorge Fernandez-Delgado, 87, of Columbia, passed away peacefully on December 4.

He was born in Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico to Ramon Fernandez and Dominga Delgado, and was one of thirteen children. He joined the Army after graduating high school and proudly served for 28 years. The Sergeant Major was a Vietnam Veteran and was highly decorated, including a Silver Star, Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart. After his service, he went on to earn his Master's in Business Administration.

Jose was dedicated to serving God. He was a parishioner at St. John Neumann Catholic Church for over 40 years, where he was a founding member of the Hispanic Congregation. His service as a leader and an educator of his faith extended beyond the walls of the church and into his community and other communities across the state.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sonia M. Aponte Fernandez; sons, Jose J. Fernandez II and Marco A. Fernandez; daughter Adria F. Jones; grandchildren, Asante D. Fernandez, Gabriel D. Fernandez, Matheau B. Fernandez, Brooks R. Jones, and Miles J. Jones; great-granddaughters Alaya Fernandez and Ava Fernandez. He is preceded in death by son, Andre J. Fernandez.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his honor to St. John Neumann Catholic Church - Hispanic Ministry at 721 Polo Rd, Columbia, SC 29223.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 16 from 5 until 8pm at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209. A rosary will be held at 6:30 for anyone who may want to participate. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, December 17 at 11:30 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223, with burial to follow at 1pm at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road Columbia, SC 29229.