Fernando was born in Havana, Cuba on November 5, 1937. He studied engineering and was a Professional Surveyor and Mapper. In 1960, Fernando married his wife Sara and they had a wonderful marriage that lasted over 60 years.
With a successful career of over 45 years, Fernando was well respected and admired by his colleagues and regarded as a pillar in the South Florida surveying and mapping community. He built and ran his own survey company and in 2002, joined forces with FR Aleman & Associates. At FR Aleman, he served as the Director of Survey for nearly 35 years, during which time he provided professional guidance and his mentoring led to numerous people attaining their PSM licenses. Known by clients as Don Fernando, he lit up the room and built everlasting friendships throughout the industry.
Fernando was dedicated to his career and worked on numerous infrastructure and landmark projects throughout South Florida. His work extended from bridges and roadways, to housing projects, to airports, to performing countless surveys, to designing plans for laying fiber optic communications lines. Fernando served as President of the Miami-Dade FSMS Chapter and was one of its most active members. Additionally, Fernando taught Legal Aspects of Surveying for many years at Miami-Dade College and served as a member of an Advisory Group for Engineering and Surveying for Miami-Dade College for over 15 years.
Fernando loved the outdoors and was a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association (NRA). He enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, shooting, and spending time in the North Carolina mountains with his family.
He was a religious man with the heart of lion and an everlasting smile. A loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, advisor, teacher, and industry legend, Fernando always brought joy to all he interacted with. He will be greatly missed and remembered for the impression he leaves behind.
He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Ivette Gatell Estefani. He is survived by his wife Sara; daughter, Ivonne Gatell-Suarez; grandchildren Carlos Estefani, Jr., Victoria Estefani, and Veronica Estefani; son-in-laws Carlos Estefani and Jorge Suarez; and siblings Wilfredo Gatell and Genobeva Gatell.
Below the link for his funeral arrangements.
