Michael Anthony Fernandez was born July 11, 1957, the eldest son of Mike and Mary Fernandez. He graduated from Superior High School in 1975 and attended Arizona State University.

Like many in Superior, Michael began working underground for Magma Copper as a mucker. In 1986, he started a career at the Immigration Facility in Florence, AZ. Rising through the ranks to Captain, he eventually took a position as a Deportation Officer. This job took him all over the world, visiting places like Germany and Thailand. He retired from the Department of Homeland Security in 2010.

Michael was loved by many and he loved nothing more in this world than his grandchildren.

Michael is proceeded in death by his father, Mike O. Fernandez, brother, Edward Steven Fernandez, and son Michael Anthony Fernandez II. He is survived by his mother, Mary Fernandez; sister, Maria "Terry" Fernandez; daughter, Niki (Michael) Fernandez; son Orlando Tameron; nephew , Nico Manriquez (Delia); and niece, Senyssa Beard (Drew). He is also survived by his 16 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.