Delgado & Fernández Honors the Life and Service of José A. Fernández-Paolí

This past Father’s Day weekend, Managing Partner Alfredo Fernández Martínez and Senior Associate Alfredo Fernández Torres traveled to Washington, D.C., to honor the life and service of José A. Fernández-Paoli, one of the firm’s longest-serving members, who was recognized at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and in the Congressional Record for his lifetime of dedication to his country and community.

Captain Fernández-Paoli was honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s annual In Memory ceremony, held at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The In Memory program was created to recognize veterans who came home from Vietnam and honor their service. At the ceremony, Captain Fernández-Paoli’s name was read aloud, and he was formally added to the VVMF In Memory Honor Roll, joining more than 6,000 veterans whose service has been memorialized since the program’s founding in 1993. The plaque on the Memorial grounds reads:

“In Memory of the men and women who served in the Vietnam War and later died as a result of their service. We honor and remember their sacrifice.”

In conjunction with the ceremony, Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández — Puerto Rico’s representative in the United States House of Representatives — rose before Congress to formally honor Captain Fernández-Paoli’s life and service, entering a tribute into the Congressional Record. The speech recognized his military valor, his decades of distinguished legal service, and his example as a son of Puerto Rico who answered his country’s call and returned home to serve his community with equal dedication. A retired Captain of the United States Army, José Fernández-Paoli was awarded the Bronze Star Medal by the President of the United States for his bravery and meritorious service in Vietnam as part of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. He later built a legal career spanning nearly six decades, serving as Senior Counsel of this firm until his passing on June 16, 2024.

The firm is honored that Mr. Fernández-Paoli’s son and grandson were present at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to witness these meaningful recognitions of a life defined by sacrifice, service, and an unwavering commitment to Mr. Fernández-Paoli’s country and profession.

To learn more about Mr. Fernández-Paoli’s life and legacy, visit his full profile here.