A memorial service will be held Jan. 19 for Frank R. Fernandes.

Fernandes died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. He was 88.

He was born Feb. 27, 1924, to Eugene and Nettie Fernandes in Atlantic City, N.J.

Fernandes was only a teenager when he enlisted in the Army in 1941 to fight in World War II and received an honorable discharge in 1945. He fought in Central Burma and received a Good Conduct Medal, The American Defense Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

After the war, he returned home and settled into family life. He worked for the Crown Zellerbach Corporation of Glassboro, N.J. and also for Mohawk Devices in Doylestown in the plastics division where he was a supervisor.

When he retired, Cox thought his working career had ended but decided to become a security guard at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where he was employed until last November.

“Frank was very strong-willed and refused to let an injury to his leg in 2006 force him into retirement and continued to work even though his leg often caused him a great deal of pain,” his family said.

Fernandes enjoyed listening to the blues and jazz and watching old western movies and documentaries about the military. He was an avid reader and was current on recent events. He also looked forward to visiting New Jersey to spend time with his godson, Tommie Jones III.

“He often said that Mantua was the best community in Philadelphia and liked being a part of the neighborhood and appreciated the camaraderie he shared with his neighbors,” his family said.

In addition to his parents, Fernandes was preceded in death by his son, Frank Fernandes Jr.

He is survived by his son, Don Fernandes and other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held Jan. 19 at 11 a.m. Clarence Johnson Funeral Home, 805 Long Acre Blvd. in Yeadon.