On Thursday at 2 p.m., there will be a re-dedication of the flagpole at the Municipal Maintenance Building on Charge Pond Road.  There, the flag will be erected in honor of Wareham's first director of Municipal Maintenance, Antone L. Fernandes Jr.

Fernandes was a lifelong resident of Wareham. After graduating from Wareham High School in 1945 he joined the U. S. Army, serving as a Corporal in the Cavalry Detachment at Fort Meyer, VA.

Prior to working for the Town of Wareham, he was a supervisor with Lane Construction for nineteen years.

In May of 1971 he was named Wareham’s first Director of Municipal Maintenance, a position he held until his retirement in 1991. He was responsible for consolidating the Cemetery, Highway, Park and Tree Departments under one roof at the garage building there. He was also responsible for the landfill, rubbish collection, and organizing and implementing the Water Pollution Control facility in Bourne and Wareham during his twenty-year tenure.

During his retirement, he served as consultant to the Selectmen/Sewer Commissioners, and freely shared his expertise and knowledge of the town.

Tony was also appointed to many boards and commissions, where he served honorably. He was on the Board of Directors and a past president of the Plymouth County Highway Association, as well as an active member of the Barnstable County Highway Association, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Highway Commission.

Tony is loved and remembered by his wife Leanora, their four children, several grandchildren, and the citizens of the Town of Wareham

In his honor, the Town of Wareham will rededicate this flagpole as the Antone L. Fernandes Flagpole.