Arlindo Brites Fernandes

Arlindo Brites Fernandes was born in Portugal on September 19th, 1945, and passed away on June 27, 2024, in hospice care in Fort Pierce, FL. 

Al is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Frances Fernandes. Al has six siblings: sisters, Maria (Kenneth) Barboza; Hilda (Arthur) Andrade; Linda (Jeffrey) Jesus; and Susan Racicot; and brothers, Adrian Fernandes and John Fernandes of New Bedford and Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Al has numerous nephews and nieces, great-nephews and nieces, and great-great nephews and nieces; all of whom were loved by Al. 

Al is predeceased by Maria do Carmo Fernandes, Ramiro Fernandes, and parents, Abel and Adelia Brites Fernandes.

At the age of 12, Al arrived in America. He resided in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and surrounding towns. Al was the owner of Al Fernandes Auto Sales, Al Fernandes Auto Salvage, and Al Fernandes Plaza, all located in New Bedford, MA. Al was also co-owner of Quick Pic Convenience Stores and Cabral Lamoureux Funeral Home.

Al took great pride in being a Portuguese member of the Prince Henry Society New Bedford Massachusetts Chapter. Al was deeply involved with his Prince Henry brothers in caring for and feeding the needy in our community. Golf tournaments were hosted by Al and the Prince Henry brothers to enable scholarships for our community's children. Al was instrumental in having the "Prince Henry The Navigator" statue erected on Pope's Island in Massachusetts.

Al was presented the Founder's Award for Member of the Year in 1990. Al went on to become President of the Prince Henry Society of Massachusetts New Bedford Chapter from 1994-1995. In 2000, the State Council presented Al with the "Portuguese American" of the year award. In 2001, recognition from "The City of New Bedford's entire citizenry" was presented to Al with their sincerest congratulations. Al loved this society and their members. The good they accomplished made him so proud to have been a member and brother in The Prince Henry Society.

When Al and his beloved wife Fran decided to retire, they moved to Florida. Al and Fran became members of the "PGA" in Florida. Al enjoyed golfing with friends and, of course, luncheons. He formed a "Lunch Bunch Club" for his friends to enjoy on a monthly basis. 

Al loved soccer, golf, boating, skiing, cars, dogs, family, and friends. He had a great sense of humor, a smile that won hearts, and a gentle spirit. Al will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Prince Henry Society New Bedford Chapter, PO Box 6726, New Bedford, MA 02742 and Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 SE Indian Street, Stuart, FL 34997, https://treasurehealth.org/292/Donate.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 27th, from 1-4 pm at PGA Golf Club at PGA Village, 1916 Perfect Dr, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986.