Michael Fernandes (68) of Flint, Michigan, Beloved husband of Juliet (nee Mascarenhas) of Flint, Michigan, son (third among the seven children) of the late Bartholomew & the late Sabina (nee Alphonso) of Karwar, India passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at McLaren-Flint Hospital, Flint, Michigan.
Michael was born in Karwar, India on December 14, 1947. He graduated from St Paul’s High School in Belgaum. He attended Loyola College and was a Gold Medalist in Economics at The University at Madras. He then received his Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Iowa.
Michael dedicated his professional career to helping those in need through employment and training programs. His career in Genesee County included working for the Spanish Speaking Center, the Women’s Shelter, the United Way, and OIC of Greater Flint.
Michael Fernandes started his own company in 1990. He served as the President and Owner of Human Investment & Development Corporation (HIDC) which has placed over 25,000 Genesee and Shiawassee residents into gainful employment. Michael was a Board Member of the Disability Network and Spanish Speaking Center. He received the NAACP Flint’s Unsung Hero Award, the Mayor of Flint’s Drum Major Award, the Disability Network’s Volunteer of the Year award, MWA Center of Strength Award, and the MWA Service Provider of the Year Award four times.
He was most proud of his clients who received the MWA’s Participant of the Year six times and Statewide Participant of the Year three times. Michael was a member of St Pius X Catholic Church and St Michael’s Catholic Church. He loved collecting crystals, photography, reading, and traveling.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Juliet; loving children, Dr. Neelesh Fernandes of Hawaii and Lekha Fernandes of Oregon, USA; Sister-in-law Patricia (nee Machado), wife of the late Victor Fernandes who resides in Bombay, India; two brothers, Dr Joseph and wife Philomena of North Carolina, USA; Freddy and wife Debbie of Michigan, USA; two sisters, Precilla and husband Dr Marshall D’Souza of Florida, USA, Joyce and husband Herman Aranha of Bombay, India; his Uncle Sam and wife Mabel Alphonso; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Victor and Dr. Noel.
Funeral details:
Visitation will be Sunday 4-8 PM and Monday 12-3 PM and 5-8 PM at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road.
A Divine Mercy and Rosary Service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
The funeral will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 609 East Fifth Avenue, Flint, MI – Tuesday March 8, 2016 at 12:00 PM. The viewing will start at 11:00 AM.
Monsignor Richard J Groshek will be officiating the mass. Cremation will take place following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Disability Network of Flint on his behalf.
Contact: Dr Neelesh Fernandes (Email: nfernandesmd@gmail.com)
