Peter V. Fernandez's Obituary
Peter Valentín Fernandez, educator and artist, died Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at his home in Gig Harbor after a longtime illness, surrounded by loved ones. He was 84.
Born on Valentine’s Day in 1941 to Simon Peter and Magdalena Hernandez Fernandez, Peter grew up in Los Angeles with elder sisters Teresa “Tina” and Juanita “Chule,” who cared for him following their parents’ early deaths.
Peter served his country as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne Division, based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was honorably discharged in 1964 and earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from California State University Dominguez Hills in 1972.
Peter was a dedicated educator and mentor. His ability to inspire and nurture students’ untapped potential became a hallmark of his teaching style at middle schools throughout southern and central Los Angeles, including Wilmington Junior High and Dodson Junior High.
In the late 1990s, Peter shifted gears and began working at Sylvan Learning Centers. There he met his colleague and future wife, Marsha Reker. They relocated to Gig Harbor and created a life filled with joy, adventure, art and music. Visits to their home always meant coffee and margaritas, depending on time of day, served up on the deck where Peter could keep an eye on his garden — ready to throw a beach ball at any deer looking to snack on his flowers.
A man of arts and letters, Peter edited Con Safos magazine of Chicano art and literature from 1968-72. He was an avid reader, a poet and a philosopher. He was a gifted storyteller with an innate ability to engage the listener no matter the topic.
Peter and his first wife, Olivia, were active in the Association of Mexican American Educators, the Wilmington Homeowners Association and local politics. Their orange VW bus took the family far and wide, with trips along the Southern California coastline and across the U.S. and Mexico.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marsha; daughters Marisa Fernandez, Lilia Storey (Paul) and Sofia Fernandez (Chris); stepchildren Christine (Miguel), Edward (Liza), Jennifer (Steve), Cynthia and Douglas; grandchildren Paul Jr., Elizabeth, Andrew, Lexi, Isabelle, Cole, Ava, Jackson and Lila; nieces Sharon, Cristina and Bernadette; nephews Michael and Nick; and other extended family throughout the West.
A viewing and celebration of Peter’s life will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 13 in the Aspen Chapel of the Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood, Wash. A reception will immediately follow in the Willow Room.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army Los Angeles Central Corps.
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