Lionel Amadeo Fernandez, 60, beloved brother, nephew, uncle, and friend, was called home on Good Friday, April 18th, 2025.
He was born on May 2nd, 1964 to Porfirio & Lydia Fernandez in Grants, New Mexico.
Lionel was a resident of Albuquerque for the last ten years prior to that he lived in Grants all his life.
Lionel loved God. He grew up serving our Dear Lord God at a very young age as an altar boy at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church in Grants. He served with one of his best friends, Walter Garcia.
Lionel was very passionate about everything he did and believed in—especially in his love for sports. He was the biggest Miami Dolphins fan, dating back to 1973 when Manny Fernandez and the Dolphins won the Super Bowl. He was so proud that no one to this day has ever beat their undefeated record. He loved watching his Oakland A’s all summer and especially loved his Los Angeles Lakers— and always loved his Lobos too!
Another passion he shared was his love for music. He loved listening to Eazy E, NWA, all New Mexico music, 89.1 was his favorite radio station, and he played it loud and proud!
He loved The Blue Ventures, especially the song Una Casa De Adobe, as it reminded him of his grandparents sitting on the front porch in Ojo Sarco, N.M.
He loved his family and friends and shared an especially close relationship with his little sister Lisa/Tweety.
He was always there for Debbie’s kids growing up—a constant in their lives—the best uncle ever!
Our consolation will be that you are at peace, no more suffering, and that you are with Mom and Dad that you missed so much.
You’ll be so dearly missed and we’ll carry you in our hearts until we see you again. We love you!
He is preceded in death by his parents Porfirio & Lydia Fernandez, paternal grandparents Amadeo & Demecia Fernandez from Truchas, N.M., maternal grandparents Jose Onecimo & Evangelina Pacheco from Ojo Sarco, N.M., his brother-in-law and childhood friend Gary Lopez, his brother-in-law and friend Leopoldo Hernandez, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Survived by sisters: Debbie Fernandez, Rita Montano & Chris, Lisa Lopez Tweety & Matthew Myers; niece/god-daughter Diandra Hernandez; great-niece Remy Salcido; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and best friends Gilbert Sanchez, Walter Garcia, and Gabriel Martinez.
His two beloved cats that he loved so much: Kobe & Eazy E. Rosary and memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 31st at Sunset Memorial Chapel, located at 924 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107 at 12:00 p.m. Inurnment will follow at Sunset Memorial Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Gilbert Sanchez, Walter Garcia, Gabriel Martinez & Matthew Myers. Honorary Pallbearer: Matthew Martinez