Fernando Cruanes

Fernando Cruanes, 94, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Suzan (Jennings) Cruanes for 60 years before her passing in 2013.

Born in Hartford, CT, he was the son of the late Joseph and Carmen (Sala) Cruanes.

Two weeks after graduating from Hartford Public High School, Fernando joined the United States Marine Corps. He served as a radio operator during World War II in the Pacific theatre spending most of his time in China. After being honorably discharged, Fernando went on to continue his education at RCA Institutes in New York City where he earned an Associate’s Degree in electronics. Over the years he enjoyed working as an Electronics Engineer for Hamilton Standard in Windsor Locks, CT. During his career he worked with a team that tested a variety of jet engines for Pratt and Whitney and United Technologies.

Fernando was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, a friend, and a gentleman. He was a sweet and charming man with a very unique sense of humor that he often shared with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was very handy with mechanics, whether it be automotive or marine. He was a natural with home repair and improvement. Throughout his life, he passed down his skills to many of his family members.

Fernando most enjoyed the time spent at his beach house, the “Vactioner”, at Point O’ Woods Beach in Old Lyme, CT, where he was an avid skin diver and spear fisherman. His most cherished pastime was fishing for blackfish and flounder with his late wife Suzan on Long Island Sound. He moved from New Britain, CT to Touisset Point, Warren, RI in 1992 and made his daily life closer to the water. From his unique vantage point, he could see sunrises over Fall River, MA, on Mount Hope Bay and sunsets over the Narrows at the Kickemuit River. He was an active member of the U.S Power Squadron for many years. Fernando also kept up with technology combining his humor and iPhone skills to text his family and friends. You could always catch him reading, National Geographic, Popular Mechanics, The Smithsonian, and a wide range of books including John Grisham, Stephen King, and Sci-Fi novels. He also loved to order gadgets from Amazon- we know Amazon will miss him too.

To cherish his memory he leaves behind his children: Suzanne Cruanes-Rodriguez (Dr. Edgardo Rodriguez) of Bristol, RI and Richard Cruanes (Karen) of Old Lyme, CT ; his grandchildren: Forest and Hunter Rodriguez, Kari Buck (Michael), Eric Cruanes (Melinda); his great grandchildren: Haley and Harper Buck, Caleb and Conner Cruanes; and many extended family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State Street, Bristol. Burial will be private. Visitation will be at Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol on Saturday, February 5, 2022 from 9:00-10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name can be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State Street, Bristol, RI 02809.

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