Charles M. Fisher Jr.

On Thursday, November 9, Charles Mackall Fisher Jr. (Charlie), a beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away at home in Columbus, NJ surrounded by family. He was eighty-eight years of age. Charlie spent his early childhood in Brooklyn, NY before moving to Bushkill, PA after the death of his father. He enlisted in the Army and served for six months of active duty, followed by another five and a half years in the reserves. Charlie earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from East Stroudsburg University and spent thirty-seven years as a science/biology teacher in the Bordentown Regional School District. He was a dedicated and highly effective educator, known for his creativity and caring approach to promote learning among his students. He was recognized as “Teacher of the Year” for Bordentown High School in 1987 and with a Joint Resolution from the NJ Senate and General Assembly upon his retirement in 1997. In addition to teaching, Charlie often drove a school bus and served as advisor for the National Honor Society. 

In his retirement, Charlie was active with The Friends for the Abbott Marshlands along the Delaware River. He thoroughly enjoyed canoeing through the various waterways, hiking through the woods, and giving talks about the marsh area. He was also a long-standing member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Bordentown and a cofounder of the Good Neighbor Guild, an organization that provides vouchers for food and shelter to those in need. Charlie was well known throughout the community and will most be remembered for his kind and gentle spirit that put everyone at ease. 

Charlie’s greatest joy was spending time with his wife of 63 years, Shirley, and raising his two children, Michele and Chuck in Crosswicks, NJ. Charlie and Shirley enjoyed vacationing in Vermont and trips to Lancaster, PA. He was a hands-on Dad who was involved in coaching community sport teams and participating in general leisure activities. He continued this with his grandchildren, attending concerts, sports events, and anything they were involved in.

Charlie is predeceased in death by his parents Margaret (Carlton) and Charles M. Fisher Sr., as well as his brother William Fisher (wife Rosa) and sister Margaret Hardaker (husband Philip). He is survived by his sister Mary Fisher of Willits, CA; his wife Dr. Shirley Fisher of Columbus, NJ; his children Michele Fisher (wife Karen Borgstrom) of Columbus, NJ, and Charles F. Fisher (wife Lynda) of Burlington, NJ; as well as grandchildren Charles W. Fisher, Catherine Fisher, and Stephanie Fisher.

Charlie touched many lives through his involvement with his family and friends, his church family, his students and colleagues. He will truly be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May his memory be a source of comfort and strength to those who mourn his loss.

A celebration of life service for Charlie will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 18th at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 339 Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown. Visitation with the family will precede the service from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Peppler Funeral Home, Bordentown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Charlie’s name, may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 339 Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown, NJ 08505.