Juan “Cuco” Fernandez Velez of Flint, Michigan

Beloved father, grandfather, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, and friend passed peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2026, Father’s Day, at Select Specialty Hospital in Flint. He was 75 years old. Juan was born on June 4, 1951, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, to the late, Gloria Velez and Juan Fernandez. In 1954, the family moved to Chicago, Illinois, settling in Saginaw, Michigan. He was a 1969 graduate of Saginaw High School. Juan proudly served his country in the United States Army until his honorable discharge in 1973. The role of his lifetime, one he treasured and cherished above all others, was to be a loving and devoted father and grandfather. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved being a jokester. Juan also enjoyed playing Bingo and playing his special numbers in the Michigan Lottery. He was a great cook and an even better “unofficial critic” of others’ cooking but was still a “dang hog”. A simple man, Juan was easygoing and loved by all who met him. He enjoyed taking walks, watching the Game Show Network, and watching classic television. Above all, his little piece of heaven was spending time with family and found happiness in sharing great meals with the family and friends. Affectionately known as “Cuco” he will forever be remembered for his kindness and gentle nature.

Surviving are a daughter, Celesta Tolentino and her fiancé, Brendon Baad; four grandchildren: Elliana, Layla, Andre, and Ari Tolentino; four siblings: Elsie Aguirre, Severiano “Lolo” (Carmen) Fernandez, Josefina “Tani” Gamez, and Osvaldo “Ditin” Fernandez; a special niece, Gloria “Chispas” Cruz. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins too numerous to mention, but held closely to his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gloria Velez and Juan Fernandez.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Hurley Medical Center and Select Specialty Hospital in Flint for all the love and care they provided to Juan and his family.

A funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603. Pastor Jeremy Sheppard will officiate. Military Honors will follow under the auspices of the United States Army and American Legion Post #22. Honoring Juan’s wishes, cremation will follow the service. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral home on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the family c/o Celesta Tolentino. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.