Richard James Fernan, 89, of Vero Beach, FL died Saturday, October 18, 2008 at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach.
Mr. Fernan was born October 14, 1919 in Elmira, NY, raised in Buffalo, NY and moved to Vero Beach 28 years ago from Cold Spring Hills, Long Island, NY.
He received his MS from State College For Teachers, Albany, NY and pursued his Doctoral Studies at Columbia University. Mr. Fernan had been the founder and administrator of the Adult Education Program in Syosset, Long Island, NY and had worked at the State Library in Albany. He was a member of St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach and a veteran of WW II, serving in the Army Air Corps 3050 Fighter Group in North Africa and Italy.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years Mary Fernan of Vero Beach and a brother Bernard Fernan of Pulaski, NY. He was predeceased by four brothers Fr. John Fernan, Vincent Fernan, Colton Fernan and William Fernan; and a sister Catharine Fernan.
Services: Mass will be celebrated 11 AM, Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John of the Cross, 7550 26th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32966.