TOPPING—Pedro Pablo Fernandez Sr. of Topping, 75, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family on July 27, 2021.
Pedro was born on the small island of Cuba on June 29, 1946. He came to the United States in the early 1960s to escape communism and create a better life for himself.
He later served his country in the U.S. Army and was a proud Vietnam veteran. In the Army, he learned many trades and took great pride in his work. In the following years, he worked hard to bring his family to the United States from Cuba, where they all currently reside.
Pedro moved to Topping in the late 1970s, opening Pedro’s Shop, a small humble motorcycle shop. Pedro’s Shop further fueled his love for motorcycles and inspired him to eventually build his vision of a place where families, motorcycles, and the love of racing could come together. This place was called Silverthorn Family Park. He successfully owned and operated the park for a few years.
Pedro’s love of working with his hands and serving others later inspired the evolution of Pedro’s Shop, which became a reputable construction business where he continued to serve the community throughout the rest of his beautiful life.
Pedro is survived by his wife, Ilka Fernandez; his children, son, Pedro Fernandez Jr., his significant other, Emily, their children Lauren, Madison, Oscar and Allister; daughter, Carmen Fernandez Scanlon, her husband Phillip, and their children Valentina and Gianna; son, Manuel Fernandez; and step-daughter, Stephanie Reeves-Reed and her children, Mary Logan and Andrew; and Pedrito Valles. He also is survived by three sisters and a brother and their families.
Pedro is predeceased by his parents and a brother.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Monday, August 2, at Cornerstone Fellowship Church, Cobbs Creek. Family received friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
