Obituary of Fernando J. Lovera

Fernando Javier Lovera

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Fernando J. Lovera on March 8, 2024. Fernando passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 58. He was the beloved son of Sergio and Elodia Lovera. Fredda is survived by his wife Maria, son Nicholas, daughter Giovanna (Joshua Stringer), mother Elodia, and brother Sergio (Rosanne). Fred lived his life as a devoted husband, loving father, cherished son, adored sibling and a friend to all who were lucky enough to know him.

Fernando was born on April 5, 1965 in Asunción, Paraguay, and moved to the United States in 1970 at the age of five, with his parents and older brother. He spent his early years in the Bronx, New York, where he met the love of his life. The two married at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in 1992 and went on to live a life filled with endless love, happiness and so muchlaughter. Fred and Maria raised their two children in Mahopac, New York. He shared his love of sports with his children, coaching Nick's baseball teams for many years and attending numerous sporting events with his family. He also shared his love for his animals, fishing and boating, creating memories to last a lifetime. After 27 years in the NYPD, Fred and his family headed south to enjoy his retirement on the beautiful beaches of Southwest Florida. Fred's legacy will be carried on through his family, who he loved with every fiber of his being.

Fernando's professional journey was marked by honor, dedication, and excellence. He dreamed of a career of service from a young age. In 1986, Fernando (Freddy) joined the New York City Police Department. After completing six months in the academy, Fernando was assigned to one of the busiest houses in the Bronx, the 46th Precinct, otherwise known as the Alamo. From there, Fernando’s career path took him to the Manhattan North Narcotics Division as an undercover officer, the Organized Crime Investigation Division (OCID) as an investigator and finally to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Strike Force Unit as an investigator. While in the HIDTA Strike Force Unit, Fernando was deputized in the Drug Enforcement Agency where he worked one-on-one investigating drug cartels in South America and the Caribbean. He played a major key role in taking down significant individuals involved in these organizations. As a result of his hard work and dedication throughout the years, Fernando was recognized and promoted to Second Grade Detective before eventually becoming a First Grade Detective. His commitment to serving and protecting the community was unwavering, and his contributions to law enforcement were invaluable. After a fulfilling career, Fernando retired out of the HIDTA Strike Force Unit in 2012, leaving behind a 27-year legacy of integrity, courage and professionalism

Fred was the beloved husband of 31 years to Maria Lovera. He was the cherished son of Sergio and Elodia Lovera and son-in-law of Celeste Santoiemma. He was the loving father of Nicholas and Giovanna, father-in-law of Joshua Stringer. Adored brother and brother-in-law of Sergio and Rosanne Lovera, James and Susie Ciaccia and Mikie and Gina Zefi and best friend to his puppy Arthur Lovera. Fred was loved by all of his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, friends (his best and most loyal friend, Steve Martinez) and brothers of the NYPD. Fernando was the first of a long line of officers in his family, joined by his brother, Retired Det. First Grade Sergio Lovera, nephew, Det. Third Grade Stevie Lovera and cousins, Late Retired Sgt. Pedro (Tony) Candia, Det. Second Grade Oscar Rivas and Lt. Federico Vazquez.

A service to honor and celebrate Fernando will be held on Friday, March 15th at the Sinatra Memorial Home from 3pm to 8pm followed by a funeral mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on Saturday, March 16 at 9:45am.

Fred's heroic legacy will continue by celebrating an incredible life and happiness he brought to others around him.

“I guess Heaven was needing a hero.

Somebody just like you.

Brave enough to stand up for what you believe and follow it through.

WhenI try to make it make sense in my mind

The only conclusion I come to

Is that Heaven was needing a hero like you.”