Support the Fernando Family in Their Time of Loss

On behalf of the Fernando family, it is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Welisarage M. “Kirul” Fernando, or “Fernando” as he was affectionately known by many, on August 11th. Fernando passed after a courageous seven month-long battle with extensive medical complications following a routine heart surgery in January.

Fernando and his wife of 38 years, Deepthi, finally realized their lifelong dream of opening a brick and mortar Sri Lankan restaurant, Island Spice, on October 28th, 2023. They were so excited to bring the flavors of their homeland to their community in Chicopee, and have quickly become well-loved by many.

Fernando was the type of man to help anyone who may need it, and spent his life doing just that. He was known for helping many new Sri Lankan immigrants get their start in the United States, often offering his home free of charge for months at a time while they got on their feet in a new country. Fernando taught his family to never judge another person or their situation, and to always lend a hand to help someone in need. If you are lucky to know any of his children, you know that he has instilled in them his same sense of compassion, benevolence, and generosity. Now, it is Fernando’s community’s turn to rally around his family.

Deepthi and her daughters - Kawinthi, Malinthi, and Dinithi - have been by Fernando’s side over the last seven months, driving back and forth across the state to be sure he always had his family by his side, advocating for his medical care while he was unable. Additionally, the Fernando family is still recovering from the sudden passing of their son, Kaween, just over a year ago. The unexpected financial burden of having to lay two loved ones to rest within a year as well as the financial toll of a lengthy and intensive hospitalization has been substantial, and we want to ensure that the Fernando family is able to properly lay their selfless, loving, husband and father to rest. We also wish to ensure that they have the financial support at home to take the appropriate time to grieve while maintaining Fernando’s dream, Island Spice, which opened its doors less than one year ago. We are humbly asking for donations so that the Fernando family can do just that.

Please consider donating if you are able to do so. Any amount you can contribute is incredibly helpful and appreciated. We are so very grateful for every donation during this incredibly difficult time.