Obituary of Russell Fisher

L. Russell Fisher - Sept. 30, 1927 - Feb. 17, 2012 Lawrence Russell Fisher, Sr. died peacefully at home Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 after a second battle with colon cancer. Russ was truly one of a kind. Born in Brooklyn NY to J.L and Lucy Fisher, he then moved to Lake Lackawanna, NJ, Delray Beach, Florida and finally Caldwell, NJ with his mother and his sister, MaryLu. Russ had many adventures in his lifetime and he loved telling the stories of them. His family and friends enjoyed listening and marveling at all of his tales and all that he had done with his life. On June 13, 1953, he married Joan Holly. As they started their life together, they also agreed to start a business based on Russ's huge talent and love of vehicles and repairing them. Fisher Auto Transmissions in Fairfield was established and Lawrence (Larry) Russell Fisher Jr. was born. As the business grew, so did the family. Larry was joined by Mark, then Peter and after a few years rest, Holly and Natalie joined the crew and FATSCO Parts Warehouse opened its doors. Through it all, the business thrived and Russ and Joan enjoyed their family and friends, moving from a little house in Denville to a new home in Boonton Twp. where Russ still lived and building a new building for a booming career. Russ had many "big boy" toys that he loved to work on and most family vacations were centered around one car show or another. The Fisher's circle of friends grew as they enjoyed traveling with the members of various car clubs. The fun and friendship they experienced with these groups can never be measured. Russ and his buddies enjoyed each other's company and had many good times together over the years. He was so much more than a "transmission man". Through his actions and his words he taught his children and many others the way to be a hard-working, kind and caring person. Russ was a member of the National Guard during the Korean War. He was also a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for many years. Through the ownership of many different vehicles he and Joan were also members of numerous car clubs, including the Model A Club, the AACA, the Antique Truck Club, the Studebaker Club. just to name a few. He was also a member of the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club where he enjoyed showing off his Chris Craft boats, especially the Cheerleader. He judged many boat shows there and was in charge of the fireworks barge for the Fourth of July presentation for quite awhile. Russ thoroughly enjoyed his time as a member in all of these groups and the friendships he cultivated through them. There are many organizations out there that will now be missing an important, involved and energetic member. Russ was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joan, and his adored son, Mark. He has left behind his son, Larry, wife, Kathy and grandson, Kyle Fisher, of Boonton Twp., his son Peter and wife, Darlene Fisher, of Rockaway Twp., daughter, Holly Weber and husband John, granddaughters Emily and Sydney of Ferrisburg, VT., and daughter, Natalie Gooding and husband Keith and grandsons, Zak Fisher and Erik Gooding of Stillwater, NJ as well as his son Mark's children, Ryan, Scott and Samantha Fisher. He is also survived by his loving sister, Marylu Rideout and her husband, Jim of Prescott, AZ as well as their children, Paul, Cathy, Bill, Charley and their families. The family is thankful for the wonderful and supportive care given Russ by his care-taker, Lorna who helped make his last days as comfortable as possible. We are forever grateful for the peace and comfort she provided to us all. All who were blessed to know Russ are invited to visit with him and his family at Norman Dean Funeral Home, 16 Righter Rd., Denville on Friday, Feb 24 at 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Saturday Feb 25 at 10:30 for a service celebrating the life of Russ Fisher. If Russ could tell you one more thing, it would be to schedule a colonoscopy as soon as possible. This is an important, easy procedure that could possibly save your life. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to the Hope Rural School, 15929 SW150th St., Indiantown, Fla. 34956-0349. This was a charity that he supported for many years in memory of his years spent in Florida.