Jose A. Fernandez, 47, of Hartford, Connecticut, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Hartford Hospital. He was the beloved husband and soulmate of John Vrakas, with whom he shared more than 23 years of love, devotion, companionship, and a life filled with countless cherished memories.

Jose was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and was the loving son of Wilfredo Fernandez and Nilda Sanchez. In addition to his devoted husband, John, Jose is survived by his parents and his siblings: Jorge Sanchez, Lester Simonetty, Wilfredo Fernandez Jr., Daniel Sanchez, Julio Maldonado, Jose Torres, Jomaira Sanchez, Jahaira Sanchez, Ramon Santiago, Devina Manganiello, and Justin Gonzalez.

He is also survived by his parents-in-law, Filippos and Anastasia Vrakas; his sister-in-law, Paraskevi Barlas and her husband, John; his brother-in-law, Sam Vrakas and his wife, Sara.  He also left behind many nieces and nephews who he loved and cherished; Jorge, Melina, Kayla, Javien, Sophia, Lilliana, Rayne, Julio Jr., Yazmarie, Serenity, Nyzel, Zayden, Olivia, George and goddaughter, Freya.  He is remembered and honored by countless cousins, family members and dear friends who loved him deeply and whose lives were forever made brighter by knowing him.

Jose's unexpected passing has left an immeasurable emptiness in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Some people simply enter our lives, while others leave an indelible mark upon them. Jose was one of those rare people.

He possessed a warmth that could fill a room and a smile that could make anyone feel welcome. His infectious laughter, tender heart, generosity, and unwaveringly positive spirit drew people to him. Jose had an extraordinary gift for making others feel valued, accepted, and cared for. He believed in hope, held onto it fiercely, and shared it generously with everyone around him.

For John, Jose was so much more than a beloved husband. He was his soulmate, his best friend, his partner, his home, and the person with whom he shared more than two decades of life's greatest moments. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, family, friendship, and memories that will be treasured forever. Though the years they shared could never have been enough, the love they created will remain a part of John's heart for the rest of his life.

Jose found happiness in the simple and meaningful things that made life special. He adored his dogs, took great pride in working out and achieving his goals, and enjoyed sharing moments of his life and accomplishments with others. But above all, Jose treasured the people he loved. Family and friends were at the center of his world, and he never took those relationships for granted.

For more than 20 years, countless people had the privilege of knowing Jose through his work at his home away from home, Amici Italian Grill in Avon, Connecticut. To many, he was far more than a familiar face behind the restaurant doors. He was a friend.

Jose had a rare ability to turn strangers into friends and friends into family. His warm smile greeted countless people, his laughter filled the room, and his genuine care for others made everyone who walked through the door feel as though they belonged. His passion for his work and, more importantly, for people was evident in everything he did. The memories he created there—and the friendships that grew from them—will remain a lasting part of his legacy.

Jose was, in every sense, a beautiful human being. His life was far too short, and his passing came far too soon. Yet the measure of a life is not only found in the years we are given, but in the love we leave behind. Jose leaves behind an extraordinary amount of love.

He will be remembered in the sound of his laughter, in the warmth of his smile, in the kindness he showed to others, and in the countless lives he touched simply by being himself.

Jose, you were deeply loved. You were our joy, our light, and a gift to everyone fortunate enough to know you. We will carry you with us in every memory, every story, every smile, and every moment when we feel your presence in our hearts.

John will carry your love with him for the rest of his life, grateful for every day, every laugh, every embrace, and every beautiful moment you shared together. Twenty-three years was not nearly enough, but it was a lifetime of love that will never be forgotten.

We miss you beyond words. We love you beyond measure. And we hold onto the hope that this is not goodbye forever, but only goodbye for now. Until we meet again, may you rest peacefully, knowing just how deeply you were loved.

The Fernandez and Vrakas families extend their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has reached out with messages of love, shared photographs and memories, offered prayers, and surrounded our family with compassion and support during this unimaginable time.

May his memory be eternal.

Calling Hours

Friday, September 25, 2026

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home

1276 Berlin Turnpike

Wethersfield, Connecticut

Funeral Service

Saturday, September 26, 2026

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home

1276 Berlin Turnpike

Wethersfield, Connecticut

Burial

Immediately following the funeral service

Cedar Hill Cemetery

Hartford, Connecticut

Tributes & Flowers

Flowers may be sent directly to Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home.

To share a memory, leave an online condolence, or learn more about the services, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com