Obituary for Custodio F. Fernandes
One of the unforgettable stars of the Nairobi Heroes football team from Nairobi Kenya
Custodio Francis Cipriano Fernandes (85), of Vallejo California, passed on April 26, 2023, surrounded by his immediate family.
Custodio, fondly known to all as Francis was born on December 9, 1937 in the beautiful country of Goa, Western India, to Joa and Retinha Fernandes. The family relocated to Nairobi, Kenya and Francis, a coordinated and talented athlete, played soccer for the professional team, Nairobi Heroes. He met his beloved Barbara in Nairobi, fell deeply in love and they married in 1960, starting their family the following year. Due to government turbulence, the family left Nairobi in 1971, moved briefly to London and then made the leap to immigrate to San Francisco the same year.
He had a great love for numbers and obtained his CPA. After coming to San Francisco, Francis spent 31 years in the banking industry. His favourite pastime was enjoying numerous activities with his Bull & Bush Brothers such as darts, camping, picnics, dinner, and dancing. Francis was also an avid sports enthusiast and truly relished watching his San Francisco 49ers, Giants and Golden State Warriors as well as every soccer game on television.
Francis is survived by his loving wife Barbara, three children: Christopher, Derek and Jennifer, and their spouses, Diane, Liz, and Bruce as well as his grandchildren Thomas & Meagan. He is also survived by his brother, Antony, and his sisters, Davina, Phil, Bernie, and Clemmy. Francis was predeceased by his sisters, Elvira and Clara, and his parents, Joa and Retinha.
His family will host a funeral service on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM, in the Mausoleum Chapel at All Souls Cemetery, 550 Glen Cove Road, Vallejo.
Arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo (707) 552-6696. www.TwinChapelsMortuary.com
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Nairobi Heroes: top left to right (a friend) Eulogio Braganza, Johnny Fernandes, Casmiro Joanes, (seated) Alex Fernandes, Johnny Lobo, Francis Fernandes
Francis Fernandes was born into an era when the Goan Community in Kenya enjoyed some of the best days of their lives. It was an era of a carefree life when we all worked very hard at our jobs, played very hard at our sports, and worked even harder at our other leisure activities, especially fishing, picnics, visits to the Kenyan Coast and other parts of the country. Francis and most of the Heroes boys were integral members of the Railway Goan Institute (later the RI) and playing for the Club they won several trophies. Heroes were the favourite team of the Tailor communities and at every grand final, they were presented with bottles of whisky and the odd gold chain. Heroes won almost every competition. Francis played alongside some of the greatest Goan players ever: Oscar D'Mello, Alex Fernandes, Johnny Lobo, Martin and Johnny D'Souza, Jack Carvalho, Tony Pinto, and a host of other unforgettable players. Francis was a hard, hard playing full back and he was respected for his skill. He loved a glass of Tusker at the club. He had a good sense of humour but he was generally a quiet-thinking man. I worked with him briefly at Oxo ... also from the very first day he fell in love with Barbara, a match made in Heaven. There was a quiet greatness in him. Never forget him. Cyprian Fernandes. Condolences to the whole family. Rest in Peace Rafiki Yangu!
I think there are only four of the mighty Nairobi Heroes players still alive: Johnny Fernandes in San Francisco, the most senior of them all Johnny Lobo in Toronto, Eulogio Braganza in Majordo, Greg Carvalho in London.
A few names from the past: Robert Santiago, George Pillay, Eddie Rodrigues, Tony Silva, Muren D’Souza, Joe Pinto Loresin and Arcanjo, Sabino, ... I am missing a few!!! Sabino played almost barefoot ... only with stretch anklets.
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Nairobi Heroes and their families
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At Johnny Lobo's house, unforgettable.
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