Robert J. Fernandes Jr.

Robert Julio Fernandes, Jr. 70, passed away at home on March 9, 2024, surrounded by his family after battling kidney cancer for 2 years.

He was married to Kathleen (Shiel) Fernandes for 49 years.

He was born and raised in Woonsocket by his father Robert Fernandes, Sr. and his mother, the late Constance (Turcotte) Fernandes who passed away in 1981. He was the oldest of eight siblings.

In 1978 he and Kathy moved to Glendale to raise their family. His idea was to have a garden, raise turkeys, chickens, rabbits, and pigs. That changed a bit in 1980 when they purchased the old Spring Lake Lounge located right next door to their home and that was the beginning of Casa Fernandes. It started out as a bar selling steak sandwiches with live country bands playing every Friday and Saturday night. He enjoyed Sunday morning softball games in the Burrillville Men’s Softball League.

After a fire in 1998, Bob rebuilt and reopened as a full-blown restaurant in 2000. Many people in town will remember a stag party, baby shower, birthday party or wedding. Bob was happiest when he was in the kitchen cooking for a crowd. The bigger the better.

In 1985 he purchased Alpha Oil with his best friend Normand Carpentier and delivered home heating oil to many homes in Northern Rhode Island.

Bob was also in the form business starting in the 1970’s with his dad and continuing to the present day with his sons. All five of his children got to work with him in one business or another.

Through the years, many customers became very good friends. He loved cooking for every holiday; Thanksgiving, Christmas, and St. Patrick’s Day were his favorites. Above all, Sunday was family day, a tradition that will be carried on by all his children.

He leaves behind his wife Kathy, his dad Robert Fernandes, Sr. and his wife Marie, children, Tara Gamache (Christopher), Tanya Fernandes (Joe Saccoccia), Robert “Rocky” Fernandes, III, Katelyn Lambert (Steven), Ryan Fernandes (Lauren). along with his grandchildren; Devin, Ronin and Brody Gamache, Caleb, Finley and Declan Lambert and Audrey Fernandes.

He also leaves behind his siblings, Diane Frenette, Gary, Brian, Marc and Scott Fernandes.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Alan and Bruce Fernandes.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Keene-Brown Funeral Home, 445 Greenville Rd., North Smithfield.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

A Time of Remembrance will be held in the funeral home on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in St. Charles Cemetery Blackstone, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org.

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