Valdemar Carvalho Fernandes

Valdemar Carvalho Fernandes ended life on this earth on December 1, 2022.

Valdemar was born in Branca, Portugal on April 15, 1947 to Francisco and Madalena Fernandes. He grew up helping to care for his younger siblings and learned the trade of masonry at a young age. After serving 2 years with the Portuguese army (Exrcito Portugus) in Mozambique, he joined his parents in Bethlehem, PA where he met the love of his life, Julia. Together, they raised a family, worked hard, and lived the American dream. Valdemar worked in masonry construction until he retired at the age of 66. He and Julia would have celebrated 50 years of marriage in December 2022.

In addition to being a hard worker, Valdemar was meticulous in all home improvement projects he decided to undertake. His meticulousness is evident in the paver driveway in front of his house. When he wasnt involved in a home improvement project, Valdemar could be found watching any and all soccer matches, particularly the matches where his beloved F.C. Porto was playing. He also loved watching football and was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan.

His favorite times were when he and his wife visited their three granddaughters in North Carolina, where he played silly games or princesses with them, dug holes in the sand for them on beach trips, and laughed at all of their silly jokes.

Valdemar is survived by his beloved wife, Julia; son, Helder Fernandes and his wife Jennie, of Bethlehem PA; daughter, Celina Mount and her husband, Ben, and granddaughters, Madeleine, Lauren, and Rachel, of Cary NC; sisters, Maria Pinto and husband Augusto of Hellertown PA, Celina Pintor and husband, Julio of Bethlehem PA; brothers, Fernando Fernandes and his wife, Rosa, of Branca, Portugal, Jose Fernandes and his wife Celeste, of Branca, Portugal, and Antonio Fernandes and his wife, Teresa, of Branca, Portugal; as well as a slew of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Valdemar leaves behind a legacy of love and patience, even despite his battle with ALS.

A viewing will be held on Friday, December 9, 2022 from 8:45 a.m.-9:45 a.m. at Holy Infancy Church, 312 E. 4th St., Bethlehem, PA 18015 with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

I

n lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the ALS Association at http://webpa.alsa.org/site/PageNavigator/PA_Chapter/PA_12_General_Donation.html or by sending a check to: ALS Association - Greater Philadelphia Chapter, 321 Norristown Road Suite 260, Ambler, PA 19002.

Cemetery
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Viewing
Friday, December 9, 2022
8:45 AM - 9:45 AM
Holy Infancy Catholic Church
312 East Fourth St.
Bethlehem PA 18015
US

Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, December 9, 2022
10:00 AM
Holy Infancy Catholic Church
312 East Fourth St.
Bethlehem PA 18015
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531