RODNEY T. FERNANDEZ

Rodney “Zorro” Fernandez, 68, of Endwell, NY passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at home, surrounded with the love and support of his family. He was born in Solvay, NY in 1955, a son to the late Frank and Dulce (Rodriguez) Fernandez. Rodney was a graduate of Solvay High School, and of The Rochester Institute of Technology where he earned his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering. Rodney started his career at IBM in 1978 where he was a loyal employee for 31 years. He moved from his hometown of Solvay, NY to Kingston, NY in 1980 to continue his career at IBM until his work location was switched once again in 1987 to the IBM birthplace and headquarters in Endicott, NY. Here, he and his former wife of 30 years, Stephanie, raised two children at their new home in Endwell, NY. Rodney quickly became a staple in the community, zipping around town in his T-Top Nissan Pulsar or his Mitsubishi 3000GT with “Zorro” license plates and giving his neighbors a taste of high-fidelity audio as he blasted Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon from his 1970’s HiFi stereo system with home-made speakers. When he wasn’t cruising roads, he was cruising the internet for the best deals he could find on anything from technology to travel. You could also catch him at local live music events such as “Cans & Clams” or perhaps admiring the sunsets and wildlife from his pool deck while enjoying a cigar. But Rod wasn’t just a participant in community activities, he loved contributing too. He used his resources and computer expertise to repair computer issues and donate old computers from IBM to local schools. He also frequently provided those down on their luck with odd jobs around his house for extra cash, or simply shared his pool with his neighbors. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. Rod stayed in touch with numerous friends throughout his life, attending annual fishing trips with them every Fall and Summer. He retired from IBM in 2009 at the age of 53 and enjoyed many years of retirement, spending winters at his condo in Hollywood, FL. Rodney was a loving and supportive father and grandfather. His love, wisdom, strength, and guidance will forever “shine on” (Pink Floyd reference) in the hearts of all his family and friends as will his endless jokes, contagious smile, charismatic storytelling, and classic one-liners or “Rod-isms” as his IBM friends would say. Rodney is survived by his two children: Stephen Fernandez (Melissa), of Endicott, NY, Kristina Fernandez (Doug Woodruff), of Endwell, NY; two grandchildren: Cristiana and Ava; four siblings: Frank L. Fernandez, of Orleans, MA, Richard "Jay-Alexander" Fernandez, of Rancho Mirage, CA, Dulce M. Fernandez (Rich Ladd) and Georgette E. Fernandez of Syracuse, NY; as well as many nieces and a nephew. Family and friends may call Wednesday, October 4th from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, 2601 Milton Ave, Solvay, NY 13209. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Rodney’s memory to the ALS Association, PO Box 37022, Boone, IA 50037-0022 or by phone at 888-949-2577.

RODNEY T. FERNANDEZ

March 9, 1955 - September 28, 2023