Fernando Dos Santos

Mr. Fernando dos Santos, 86, passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family on October 10, 2018.  He was born in Portugal on September 27, 1932 to Maria Pereira and Inacio dos Santos.  He came by ship with his brother, sister and mother to join his father in America in August of 1953; and the family settled in Yonkers, NY.  He returned to Portugal to marry the love of his life, Irene A. Mata, on June 7, 1958. The couple settled in Yonkers where Fernando worked as a Construction Foreman for over 30 years.  Following his retirement from Yonkers Contracting, Fernando moved to Lewisville, NC to help raise his three grandsons, who were the light of his life.  Fernando was highly involved in their school and sporting events. A helpful neighbor, he was lovingly known as the “mayor of the neighborhood.” His hobbies included gardening and making homemade wine. He was an avid soccer fan, following his favorite team, Benfica (Portugal).  He had a passion for fine automobiles, including his two Mercedes which were special ordered and delivered by ship directly from Germany. In addition to his parents, Fernando was preceded in death by a sister, Deolinda Esperanco and a brother, Acacio dos Santos.  Surviving are his devoted wife of 60 years, Irene Santos; daughter, Linda Santos Buchmeier (Michael); grandchildren, Nicholas Joseph, Andrew Michael, and Ryan Christopher; sister, Dina Gallo; brother, Manuel dos Santos (Edite); sister-in-law, Amelia dos Santos; cousins, Antonio Figueiredo (Etelvina); godchildren, Rui and Fernando Figueiredo; a host of nieces and nephews and extended family.  A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, October 15, 2018 at Holy Family Catholic Church with Father Kurt Fohn and Deacon Steffen Fohn officiating.  Entombment will follow at Westlawn Gardens of Memory Mausoleum.  The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Sunday, October 14, 2018 at Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel.  Memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.