David M. Fernandes, 71, of Ludlow, passed away on April 7, 2026, under the care of Baystate Hospice.

Born on July 4,1954 in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Manuel Fernandes and Florence (DeRosa) Fernandes.

David worked as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service, dedicating 37 years of service to the Holyoke Post Office.

He is survived by his former wife, Rosalind Forti of Ludlow; his two sisters, Kathy Black of South Hadley and Lori Cardinal and her husband Rich of South Hadley; his nieces and nephews, Amy DelMonte, Mark DelMonte (Destiny), Brett Cardinal (Julie), and Amanda Cardinal; his great-niece, Ella Cardinal; his great-nephew, Atlas DelMonte; as well as his brother-in-law, Anthony Forti and sister-in-law, Mary Forti.

David was a proud Coast Guard veteran and a man who valued hard work and independence. He built his home in Ludlow alongside his father, a project that reflected both his skill and determination. He also operated a vacation rental home business in upstate New York.

A man of faith, David sang in the choir at St. Patrick’s Church in South Hadley and was a former member of Cursillo. He enjoyed his many trips to Portugal, visiting Madeira and also the Azores, which he especially loved and was home to his maternal grandparents. He had a deep love for animals, especially his Australian Shepherds, and in his retirement, he found joy in driving his dune buggy with his loyal companion, Dexter, by his side.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley, followed by a funeral home service at 12:30 p.m. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ludlow Veterans’ Assistance Fund, Ludlow Veterans’ Services, 487 Holyoke Street, Ludlow, MA 01056; or to Dakin Humane Society, PO Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101.