Gilbert Fernandes, 79, of Westport, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, in the arms of his wife of 61 years, Kathleen M. (Oliveira) Fernandes.

Born in Fall River, he was the son of the late Louis and Sarah (Aguiar) Fernandes.  Gilbert was a master carpenter, avid inventor and creative writer.  A lifelong Red Sox fan, he enjoyed singing, playing cards and golf, but most of all he loved spending time with his family.  He will always be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Including his wife, Gilbert is survived by three sons, Brian Fernandes and his wife Kimberley of Westport; Bruce Fernandes and his wife Joanne of Westport; and Paul Fernandes and his wife Lynne of Fairfax, Va.; three daughters, Karen Lucas and her husband Peter of Tiverton,  Doreen Fernandes of Dartmouth, and Donna Guay and her husband Andrew of Lakeville; a sister, Alice Hayden and her husband Robert of Little Compton; a brother, David Fernandes and his wife Shirley of Tiverton; a sister-in-law, Theresa (Medeiros) Fernandes of Tiverton; 13 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Gilbert was the grandfather of the late Stephen Lucas and brother of the late Louis Fernandes Jr. and Louis' late wife Isabel (Pacheco) Fernandes, and the late Alfred Fernandes.

Private arrangements were held under the direction of the Potter Funeral Home, 81 Reed Road, Westport.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.

To  sign the on-line guest book, please visit www.potterfuneralservice.com.