Jose Fernando "Big Joe" Fuentes, age 74, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, in his home after a brief illness.  Mr. Fuentes was a member of Local #213 Laborer's International Union and had worked in construction for over thirty years.  He was a simple man who was a hard worker his entire life and enjoyed working on cars, fishing, and hunting.  In later years he drove for the Amish and kept busy recycling.

Jose Fernando Fuentes was born into a family of nine children on January 29, 1951, in Weslaco, Texas, the son of Jose and Maria (Rodrigues) Fuentes.  He married Rebecca Cervantez in May of 1981 in Texas and she survives.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three daughters, Rosemary, Andrea and Maria; four sons, Jose Isreal, Joe Gilbert, Jose Fuentes, Jr. and Samuel Fuentes; and numerous grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and several siblings.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 P.M. with recitation of the rosary at 3:30 P.M. at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne.  Services will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. with  Reverend Bonaventure Nwosu officiating at Divine Mercy Funeral Home.   Interment will follow at Catholic Cemetery.

To sign the online register or to send condolences please visit www.divinemercyfuneralhome.org.