Bob Fernandez, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Passes Away at Age 100


Robert Louie Fernandez, one of the last known American survivors of the Pearl Harbor bombing, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 100 in Lodi, California, just days after the 83rd anniversary of the attack.

Fernandez, affectionately known as Uncle Bob, died at the home of his nephew, Joe Guthrie, who confirmed the news. Guthrie, who became Fernandez’s caretaker following a dementia diagnosis in 2022, stated, “I promised him 10 years ago that he could die in my home, and that’s what he did. He died loved and happy.”

Born in San Jose, California, in 1924, Fernandez enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 17 in August 1941. He served aboard the U.S.S. Curtiss at Pearl Harbor, where he worked as a mess cook and ammunition loader, according to military records.

In a video biography recorded in 2016, Fernandez shared that he joined the Navy to explore the world, stating, “I just thought I was going to go dancing all the time, have a good time. What did I do? I got caught in a war.”

Fernandez had intended to attend a commemorative event in Hawaii for the 83rd anniversary of the bombing but experienced a decline in health weeks prior to the event.

During the surprise attack by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941, Fernandez and his ship had just returned from a Pacific voyage. The attack resulted in over 2,400 American fatalities and led to the United States' entry into World War II the following day.

The U.S.S. Curtiss was targeted multiple times during the attack, and a Japanese fighter plane crashed into it, resulting in injuries to dozens of crew members and 21 fatalities. The ship was repaired within a month and resumed its role in the war effort.

Fernandez recounted that he had woken up that day excited for a planned evening of dancing, but instead found himself in battle. He described manning his battle station below deck and passing ammunition to sailors on the top deck who were firing weapons during the attack.

After leaving the Navy in 1947, Fernandez returned to California, working as a forklift driver in a San Leandro cannery. He was also a boxer and enjoyed swing dancing with his wife, Mary, with whom he had two sons and one stepdaughter. They were married for 65 years until her passing in 2014.

Fernandez remained active in the veteran community, helping others with yard work, sharing jokes, and enjoying music and dance. His nephew described him as someone who could brighten any room.

Fernandez's survivors include his oldest son, Bobby Jr., several nieces and nephews, a granddaughter, and multiple great-grandchildren.

The number of Pearl Harbor survivors has significantly decreased in recent years, with the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association disbanding in 2011 due to low membership. Following Fernandez’s death, an estimated 16 survivors remain, according to the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors.

Ted Guthrie, Joe Guthrie’s brother, expressed his sadness over the loss of his uncle, highlighting his humor and extensive knowledge. He emphasized the importance of remembering Fernandez and those who died at Pearl Harbor, stating, “I would love Americans to love America like my Uncle Bob did.”





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