Fernando Joachim Smith was the son of Mary Elizabeth and Jack Pinto Smith born in Baltimore, Maryland. The family moved to New York City then to Sea Bright, New Jersey.
Fernando graduated from Long Branch High School where he placed second in the State in the 220 yd. hurdles. He served in the Third Infantry Division as Forward Fire Observer during the Korean War and received an Honorable Discharge. He graduated with an Associates Degree in Accounting from Monmouth University.
Fernando worked as an insurance salesman, then with the Federal Government, as a Budget Analyst working at Fort Monmouth, Germany and Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, PA. until his retirement. He then moved back to Tinton Falls, NJ and worked part-time for the Asbury Park Press until his full retirement. Fernando was an avid member of the American Legion Post 266 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2639.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father Arthur Gresham, his brothers Don Carlos and Armando and his sister Cynthia.
Fernando is survived by his wife Norma Vail Smith; his son André; his daughters Leslie and Alison; his brother Phillip (Augie); his sister Elizabeth Meyer; his grandchildren Jared and Jadah; his great-grandchildren Zionah, Eiljah and Carmiah and a host of nieces and nephews.
