Henry Fish Obituary
Henry E. Fish, of Erie, died peacefully in his home at Spring Hill, on February 29th, 2016. He was granted a fulsome life of ninety years on this earth. He was born in Erie on August 26, 1925, a son of the late Howard MacFarland and Dorothy Hall Fish.
He attended Glenwood Elementary, Academy High School, and graduated from Philips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire in 1944. He served in WWII as a Navy Pre-Flight Aviation Cadet in Training at the University of North Carolina. Following discharge in 1945, he attended Princeton University, where he was captain of the Varsity Lacrosse team, and graduated Cum Laude in 1948. After Princeton, he received a Master's in Industrial Management from MIT's Sloan School of Management in 1961.
Henry was the grandson of the founders of the American Sterilizer Company (AMSCO) and worked there for 38 years. He served as President and CEO of AMSCO for 14 years before his retirement in 1988. Retirement, though, was not in his vocabulary. For over 25 years after AMSCO, he had many ventures including: Jetstream/Piedmont Airlines, Westwood Racquet Club, and forming the Erie Spears Lacrosse program. He also spent time enjoying Ajijic Mexico and "Camp Redwing" in Lake Placid, New York. Redwing held a special place in his heart, where he spent countless hours on the water and gave his family and friends the love and appreciation of nature and togetherness.
Henry had a great impact on his community through his various Board positions with Saint Vincent Health Center, Hamot Medical Center (UPMC Hamot), Lord Corporation, PennBank, Health Industry Manufacturer Association, Erie Day School, and Perry Construction Company. He was passionate about education and supported the Erie Day School, first as a parent and grandparent, then as a Board Member and Trustee Emeritus. He was an active member of the Kahkwa Club, Rotary Club of Erie, and Quarter Century Club of AMSCO.
Being a superb athlete all of his life, Henry loved all sports, but especially skiing, tennis, golf, and lacrosse. In 1988, Henry was inducted to the Lacrosse Hall of Fame in Baltimore, Md. He brought his passion for lacrosse to his hometown with the formation of the Erie Spears, helping many young players find excitement for the game. His ski trips to Austria with The Erie Ski Club earned him a Kitzbühel Golden Ski Star.
Henry was a loyal, loving husband, devoted father, father-in-law and extraordinary grandfather. To these loved ones and everyone else, he was a thoughtful and kind friend.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three brothers, Douglas, Howard and John Fish.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Laurana Schultz Fish, their three children, Susan Fish Strayer (Robert), Dori Fish (John Gravanda), both of Erie, Pa., and Henry E. Fish II of Denver, Colo.; six grandchildren, Jayson A. Yost (Hadley), New York, N.Y., Lindsay L. Yost, Lake Placid, N.Y. and Lander, Wyo., Elaura E. Patton, Boston, Mass., Kyle F. Buseck, Erie, Pa., and Henry E. Fish III and Dora K. Fish, both of Denver, Colo.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street, on Thursday, March 3rd from 5-7 p.m., and on Friday, March 4th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and are invited to attend a funeral service on Saturday, March 5th at 11 a.m. at Wayside Presbyterian Church, 1208 Asbury Road, with Reverend Keith Sundberg officiating. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Erie Day School, 1372 West 6th St., Erie, PA 16505, or Erie Youth Lacrosse Fund, c/o Erie Community Foundation, 459 West 6th St., Erie, PA 16507. To send condolences, visit www.BurtonFuneralHome.com.
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Kevin Hyde
February 25, 2019
Henry I was at Coral Creek a few days ago and paused at the piano. Every time I pass it I think of you. I can still see the smile on your face and hear the music ...
Dan Duda
February 24, 2019
I had worked at AMSCO for less than a year. While shopping I heard "Hi Dan." It was Henry. At that point I was surprised that he even remembered my name. Then he looked at my wife and said "you must be Nada." Wow! But then he looked down at my sons and said "This is Dan, Jr., and You must be David." I was stunned and so honored. But mostly impressed that he sincerely cared for employees that much. He was not just a leader but also a great human being.
Carol Mauter
April 4, 2017
Dear Family of Mr. Fish, I was so fortunate to be Mr. Fish's secretary for a year when my husband Keith was transferred to Lord. I could tell you wonderfully unusual things about him but the most vivid is how he felt about and cared about his wife Laurana and his kids and grandkids. I have re-read his last xmas card to me which was always consistent. Family #l. A true gentleman. I will miss his updates and the "pride" in is words. My adult children are in Indialantic,FL (teachers) and son in Indialantic & Cambodia (attorney). Hope our mutual connection can continue. Carol
February 28, 2017
Susan, Very sorry to hear today, a year and a day late, of the passing of your Dad. He was a great man with a great family. Fond memories. Jack West
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BOBBIE FOHT
June 22, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing.Sending prayers to all your family.
Bobbie Foht
Martie Russel
April 1, 2016
Dear Susan, Bob and family,
On behalf of Nancy and the Roger Strayer family, I want to express our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. Truly a difficult time when a gentle giant of a man passes, but he did so knowing lessons learned will be shared, and the love of his family will endure. Fond memories always.
Lisa Kelly
March 14, 2016
Sending hugs and love today.
Susan Singer Kerschner
March 12, 2016
Dear Aunt Laurana,
I am so very sad to learn of your loss of Uncle Henry (Hank!). In addition to being Mummy's best friend, your family has touched our lives in so many ways, and for such a long time. From my early memories of summertime at Lake Placid, playing with Susan and Dori, and all the times I have seen you at various events, you all have held such a special place in my life. This is a terrible loss. I am sending my love and comforting hugs to you all.
Deepest love and affection,
Dan Duda
March 7, 2016
Henry was a real class act. He had an unusual mix of brilliance blended with a common touch. He will be missed.
Kathy and Michael Preston
March 7, 2016
Susan, Laurana and Dori,
We were sad to hear the news of Henry's passing. We have many fond memories of times together. Erie has lost a wonderful man.
Peter Lund
March 5, 2016
From the entire Lund family our prayers are with you. I am cur renting thinking of those wonderful Fourth of July parties. Wat a generous and wonderful man he will be missed
Tom Talling
March 5, 2016
My condolences to your family.
Tom Talling
Gordy Schmidt
March 4, 2016
Dori, I am so sorry for your loss. Jaci's daughter Adrienne is getting married in Hawaii on Monday, March 7th and I'm here for the wedding. I wish could be in Erie.
Gayle and Tom Pimm
March 4, 2016
thinking of all of you during this time of loss...
Lisa Singer Kelly
March 4, 2016
Dear Aunt Laurana and family. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Uncle Henry. He was such a warm and delightful man. The memories of the times our family spent with yours at your home on the lake still fill me with such happiness. You and Uncle Henry were always so welcoming, encouraging and uplifting; you both will always occupy a huge a place in my heart. I'm sending you hugs and love and prayers at this sad time.
Lenora and David Lewis
March 4, 2016
Susan, our deepest sympathy to you and your entire family on the loss of your Dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
March 4, 2016
Dearest family. Much love and sympathy to all of you. Henry was a dear man and I'll always remember his presence and loyalty to EDS and it's faculty. Peace and prayers....Helen Keim Schneider
Liz and Todd Krieg
March 4, 2016
Unfortunately we never had the good fortunate of knowing Henry Fish, but we know he must have been a great man to have raised such a wonderful daughter, Dori! Dori, your whole family is in our thoughts and prayers and hope your mom will spend more time in sunny Boca Grande to lift her spirits. My mom and mother-in law, both of whom were recently widowed recently, have found the sunshine and community wonderfully supportive! XXOO Li and Todd Krieg
Scott an Candi Petrie
March 4, 2016
Our Thoughts an Prayers are with the family .
John Doyle
March 3, 2016
Laurana, Almost 35 years ago, I was in the old Pittsburgh airport ordering some bacon and eggs before my next flight to somewhere , as an Assistant Project Manager for an Erie based General Construction firm. In walked your husband. Not only did he say hello to me, he sat down with me and ordered breakfast himself ! Mr. Fish related to me that he was on the road raising money for a " War Chest " for AMSCO. His enthusiasm , and his interest in terms of what I was up to , have provided me an example with respect to how to treat others in life , and in business. Also, his efforts to raise his " War Chest, " remains one of my favorite phrases.
March 3, 2016
Dear Laurana and Family
I knew Henry only in a social setting but was always struck by his sincere friendliness. He was a very open man and projected enthusiasm for life and the people around him. In addition, he was a gentleman - a man to be admired for that quality if for no other. He will be missed by many. I offer my condolences on his passing.
Edwin McKean, Bluffton SC
March 3, 2016
Dear Dori and Family,
You are in our thoughts as you mourn your father's passing but also celebrate his wonderful life! Peace be with you.
Love,
Cheri and Garrett McGuire
Bryn Perkins
March 3, 2016
It's a clear, sunny day here in Vermont and I can see across the lake to the Adirondack High Peaks and am thinking of you all. Sending sympathy, hugs and love all around.
Vicki Andrews
March 3, 2016
To the Fish Family, I am so sorry to hear of Henry's passing. My father John Andrews, worked for him at AMSCO for many years and always spoke so highly of him and Henry II. He always said there was a smile waiting for anyone whose path Henry crossed. My parents are both gone now and I am sure that they would be saddened by his passing. Prayers and comfort to you all in this stressful time. Wish I could do more.
Julie
March 3, 2016
Erie Day School lost it's wonderful and faithful Spartan.
Jim Currie, Jr.
March 3, 2016
Dear Laurana & Family,
I was very saddened to learn of Henry's passing. He and my father, a fellow naval aviator, were good friends and I will never forget the flying stories he shared with me in 2000, at my father's funeral. There had been many other friendly encounters over the years. I was blessed to know him, and the Erie Community has just lost a great man. You are in my thoughts...
Art & Karen Whelan
March 3, 2016
I worked with Henry during our days at Amsco,and after he retired. I found him to be an exceptional person - someone who was passionate about all he did and extremely compassionate when it came to helping others.
I am proud to be able to call him my friend - and very privileged to have known him.
Henry, you will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Art Whelan
March 3, 2016
Henry was an exceptional individual - the type of person that comes along once in a lifetime. I am privileged to be able to call him my friend. Rest in peace - we love you and will miss you.
Bill Bindseil
March 3, 2016
Henry was a friend and colleague of my father for 30+ years at AMSCO. He was always down to earth person who had something kind and encouraging to say. We enjoyed being hosted at the beautiful "Camp Redwing" as a family vacation. Our prayers go out to Lorana and all the family wishing that they find peace in this time of grieving for someone who will be missed by many.
Tom Koscelnik
March 2, 2016
Laurana & Family, Sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working at AMSCO during his tenure from 1951 to 1988. Henry was one of the kindest person who treated people with respect and dignity. An accomplished leader he shared his talents with many community organizations in the Erie community. He will be missed. Tom Koscelnik
Brian& Tammy Hickey
March 2, 2016
Erie has sadly lost one of its captains of industry who employed thousands. But, my memories of Henry are that of a gracious host in his most favorite location: Redwing, on Lake Placid. How he loved to entertain his guests with boat rides, swimming in frigid water, and thoughtful dinner conversations. He directed his attention at making us feel at home there. Always welcoming. We are grateful for knowing him. Dori, your Dad was a classic gentleman. We will miss him.
Jacqueline Singer
March 2, 2016
Dearest Aunt Laurana, Dori and all the Fish family, I am sending you my most heartfelt condolences. I have known you for over 55 years since I was a baby and Uncle Henry was at MIT Sloan with my own father who passed away at 92 only eight months ago. He thought the world of Uncle Henry as we all do. I still have the letter Uncle Henry wrote me when I graduated from college and was looking for career guidance. He took the time to write and gave me wonderful and fatherly advice. I loved this man and love you all very much. I'm sorry we have not seen each other in quite some time. I still cherish the time spent with Dori at Mt. Holyoke in the 1980's and the few days I was lucky to be with you all at Lake Placid over the years, as well as all the visits prior to that when we were growing up. Uncle Henry has left a wonderful legacy and I know this is terribly painful to lose such a gracious gentleman. I wish I could be there in person to comfort you but send you warmth and love. You are in my thoughts and heart forever.
William E. Walker
March 2, 2016
My thoughts and prayers for the family of a very nice gentleman.
Loraine & Dan
March 2, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this sad time. Though we only knew Henry for a short period of time we quickly came to admire him as a great family man. We know he will be missed; but the solace is he is in a better place... God Bless!!
Kevin Hyde
March 2, 2016
Dorie & John. My heart aches at the loss of Henry. Allthough I only had a few short years to know him each time we were together and having conversation he made me feel like the most important person in the room. Henry and Laurena showed me something that had been missing in my life ... the importance of being together with family. I can remember our first visit to Redwing. Upon learning that we were joining what seemed like the entire family for labor day weekend I was a bit intimidated. However Henry and Laurena made us feel as though we were part of the family. It was the best weekend in all of my 50 years. Henry you are a true Gentleman and I do and will continue to miss you.
Ann Schrader
March 2, 2016
Dearest Laurana and family, you have our deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and uncle. We knew Henry through our friendship with your daughter, Susan, and spent many wonderful times at Lake Placid at the picnic table eating dinner and being regaled by Henry and his amazing life stories. His passing is a true changing of the guard for Rusty and I. With our love, Ann and Rusty
Wendy (Sitter) Wurz
March 2, 2016
To Dori and the Fish Family,
Please accept my condolences for the loss of such a brilliant spirit. Although it has been some years, now, since I have visited his Erie and Redwing homes, I will always remember his pure kindness, generosity, and warmest of hearts. He will now light up every gathering of angels in the heavens with his bellowing laughter. Be at peace and carry his "Bigga" (did I get that right.) LOVE with you going forward.
Sincerely, Wendy (Sitter) Wurz
Elinor Nally
March 2, 2016
Laurana and family, my heartfelt condolences. Henry will always be remembered as a warm, caring and generous person. I remember fondly our many trips with Amsco and the great times we had. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Phil Zimmerman
March 2, 2016
I worked with Henry at Amsco for more than 30 years and have many good memories of him in that era...Henry was honest,fair and diligent in all he undertook ....he treated all with respect. I shall miss him....my sympathy to his family
Lisa
March 2, 2016
My sympathy goes out to the Fish family. I first met Mr. Fish while working at Amsco and I was always impressed by his kindness and courtesy.
He was a man to look up to and this community will miss him.
Louis Agostini
March 2, 2016
Dori, John and all the Fish Family. Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of Henry. We are sorry we cannot be with you at this time, he will be missed.
Louie and Marilee Agostini
Pompano Beach, FL
Anthony Samoa
March 2, 2016
To the Fish Family, thanks for sharing your father with us,he was truly a magical person and inspiration to all of his AMSCO employees. I used to work in the factory and when he came through every so often,he always made you feel like you were the important one.I missed seeing him when he retired. Then in2004 or 2005 at Erie International i was waiting for the arrival of my son from California and i spot Mr Fish arriving couldn't miss him(big fur hat) and he didn't miss me...came right over "Hi Tony how are you?" and i filled him in on my family and me. That is a memory that i share with my family.... CEO remembers a factory workers name after not seeing him for close to 15yrs.I know that you will probably hear many,many more just thought i would share mine with you and express my heartfelt condolences to you and yours on the passing of a true "Gentleman."
Sincerely, Anthony Samol
Karen Tyler
March 2, 2016
Henry Fish was not only an accomplished businessman, doting father and proud grandpa, he was a gentleman and an enthusiast of life that left an impression everywhere he landed each day, each decade. Erie Day School, like many other organizations and people, has grown to what it is today as a result of Henry's ambitions. Whenever Henry Fish came to visit Erie Day School ALL of the children - age 2 through 14- would line up to shake his hand and thank him for gifts given, for the visit or a story shared. His most recent contribution to EDS was a beautiful ebony baby grand piano. Henry, you have an open invitation to play us a tune. I am confident we will be singing along with you for years to come. You have forever touched all of us at Erie Day School.
John Burton
March 2, 2016
Thoughts and prayers for the entire Fish family. So sorry to hear about this!
Peggy & Willi Maier
March 2, 2016
With our heartfelt Sympathy to the entire Fish Family.
It was a pleasure to have served with Henry on the Erie Day
School Board of Trustee's and always enjoyed his zest for life.
Lydia Secara
March 2, 2016
Henry will forever be friend, mentor and hero to many. It was my blessing to share 24 years with him. His kindness, patience, and genuine persona made it a pleasure to work for and beside him. My thoughts, love, and prayers for Henry and his Family.
March 2, 2016
I remember Mr. Fish not just for the long friendship and excellent working relationship that he and my father, Raymond Berklite, shared, but for all the years of experiences that his work with AMSCO provided to those in the community. He was one of the first individuals to acknowledge and appreciate the fact that my father's talent as a design engineer for hospital equipment helped not only his own business but the community at large. He was also the kind of person one could take a problem to, knowing that he would always be there to help in finding a solution.
I am sorry for your loss as the world lost one of it's brightest lights.
Kathleen Berklite-Manzella
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3801 W. 26th St., Erie, PA 16506
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