John J. Fisher, 74, passed away on August 23, 2013 in Peabody. He was the loving husband of Elizabeth (Boumil) Fisher, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage.
Born in Hampstead, New York, he was the son of the late John L. and Josephine M. (Eppig) Fisher. He grew up in Chelmsford, graduating from Chelmsford High School, and earned a BS in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University. John served his country with the United States Army stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia for two years, followed by four years in the Army Reserves. His experience in the photographic unit at Fort Belvoir led him to a 27-year career as a chemical engineer for Eastman Kodak in Rochester, New York.
John loved camping, hiking and fishing with his family in Acadia National Park, passing on the traditions of his childhood to his children and nieces and nephews. Every summer included a trip to the Adirondack Mountains, and a visit to the Saint Lawrence Seaway for the opening of bass season. He and his wife Betty retired to Sanibel Island in Florida where, most of the time, he could be found with a pair of binoculars or a camera. He volunteered at the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge for many years, leading bike tours, “babysitting” the crocodile, and teaching visitors about the birds and wildlife of Florida.
Along with his wife, Betty, he is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Ann and John Erickson of Middleton, Beth Fisher and James Stewart of Rochester, NY and Jane Fisher and Chris Monroe of Ellicott City, MD, two sisters Mary Jo Austin of PA and Elizabeth Downey of FL and five grandchildren, Jane and Will Erickson and Kate, Mary and Helen Monroe.
Memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, FL 33957 or at www.dingdarlingsociety.org.
A Memorial Service is being held privately.