Obituary of Patricia Farinacci Fisher
Patricia Farinacci Fisher, the ultimate Grandma, a wonderful mom and aunt, ‘honorary mom’ to many others who were considered ‘family’, a devoted wife of 60 years, a true and dear lifelong friend to many, who was a resident of Lake Como and Denville, NJ passed away on October 17th, 2024 surrounded by love just shy of her 84th birthday. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on October 25, 1940, the daughter of Anthony and Rosalie Farinacci. She spent her early school years in Lancaster, PA and was raised in Spring Lake Heights, NJ with her parents and sister Linda Garrahan. Patricia proudly graduated from Notre Dame of Maryland University in 1962. She was admired as a leader of her class and a role model who was known and loved for her kindness, sharp mind, quick wit, smile, and infectious laugh. She married John (Jack) W. Fisher, Sr. Esq. on June 13, 1964. The two met when they were 6 years old and reunited after college.
Family was her priority, but she also loved her career. She began as a French and Spanish teacher and then office manager for Epstein’s in Morristown, NJ before focusing on her favorite and most important role as grandmother to five.
Generous to a fault, she put others first right up until her last moments. She led by example, was a fierce advocate who adamantly and with compassion included all. She sincerely and unconditionally supported and welcomed many to join her family network. Thoughtful for her entire life, she never forgot a card for a friend or family member’s birthday (even if sometimes late or two months early!) She was a hard worker ticking off items on her lists right to the end.
She loved her garden, the outdoors, the ocean, her trips to Italy, M&M’s, black licorice, nonpareils, a cup of black tea with lemon and a pinch of sugar, and reading the obituaries. Known for her fantastic hair that hardly got gray and with a quick run through could look freshly salon styled (so there you have it elementary kids who once said her hair looked like Brillo!) No one could come close to her homemade eggplant parmigiana, beef stew, or grilled cheese!
Survived by her loving husband, Patricia leaves her legacy with six children and five amazing grandchildren: John, Kirsten Ballard (Teagan), Linda, Anthony, Tricia and Brian Willner (Thea and Leo), Matthew and Christen (Alexandra and Julian), and her nephew Brian Garrahan, who was like a son, and his partner Kelly.
She is evidence that one person can and does make a difference. All that had the honor of knowing her in life, hold her dear. Thank you for being a wonderful human being!
You did an amazing job, Mom. You are the star student!
All services for Patricia will be held privately. Please take this time to share a memory, leave a condolence, or light a candle to continue to let Patricia`s light shine!
