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Joshua Fisher Obituary

Joshua David Fisher, 33, of South Whitehall Twp., passed away on November 20, 2023. Born in Allentown, he was the son of Todd and Loretta (Leiby) Fisher. He received his B.S. in English from Muhlenberg College and his Master's Degree in Creative Writing from Arcadia University. Joshua was a Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy. He became a Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Keneseth Israel.

Survivors: Parents; Sisters, Victoria and Morgan Fisher; Grandmothers, Diane Fisher and Wilhelmine Leiby; Faithful Companion, Judah.

Services: A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, November 24, 2023, at 1 PM at Keneseth Israel Cemetery, Allentown. Arrangements by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, Allentown.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jewish Students at www.hillel.org or to the Jewish National Fund USA at www.jnf.org.
Published by Morning Call on Nov. 22, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Joshua Fisher

Sponsored by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Homes, P.C. - Allentown.

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45 Entries

Joshua Isard

July 18, 2025

Joshua was an excellent student, and an even better person. I always enjoyed our talks about writing, and life outside school. He was the kind of person who enriched everything he came across. I will miss him greatly.

T

November 20, 2024

November 20, 2024 marks one year...we think of you so many times throughout each and every day.
Eternal Love,
Mom and Dad

Mom, Dad, and Judah

May 25, 2024

Mom and I got these to wear in your honor! We think of you many times throughout each and every day.

Mom and Dad

March 2, 2024

Mom, Dad, Vicki, Morgan, and Judah

March 2, 2024

Mom and Dad

January 17, 2024

Dad

December 25, 2023

TF

December 7, 2023

TF

December 2, 2023

TF

December 2, 2023

TF

November 29, 2023

Jeremy

November 29, 2023

Jeremy

November 29, 2023

Jeremy

November 29, 2023

Jeremy

November 29, 2023

Dad

November 28, 2023

I told Josh to smile for this photo using some very colorful language when we went to 2022 NLCS Game 5. I finally got Josh to crack a partial smile. The PA Mounted State Troopers were laughing along as they too told him to smile. Josh and I had the best time together during this electric game.

Calvin Mahoski

November 28, 2023

Josh was a great friend of my sons that I was fortunate to meet and spend time with. Josh will be missed on cigar night.
I will miss the advice and help he shared.

TF

November 28, 2023

Your Friend

November 28, 2023

TF

November 28, 2023

Appreciative American

November 27, 2023

Thank you for your service sir.
They say a person never really dies until you stop saying their name. From reading all of these messages, it does not seem like that will happen at all with Josh. My condolences.
Regards,
Grateful Citizen

Judah

November 27, 2023

Dan C.

November 26, 2023

Since yesterday was Thanksgiving, I thought it would be appropriate to give thanks today for the life of Joshua Fisher, a dear friend of over two decades. Many of the thank yous I need to give Josh this afternoon were never said and I regret that terribly.

Josh, thank you for befriending me as a new student at Orefield Middle School in 7th grade. Transitioning from a small religious private school to one of the largest public middle schools in the Lehigh Valley was very difficult, but you befriending me in the first few weeks made it a little easier and that meant so much to me.

Josh, thank you for inviting me to your Bar Mitzvah. I thought it was so cool that you could read your holy scriptures in Hebrew and the reception after was like nothing I ever experienced.

Josh, thank you for all of the high school memories. We had classes together, we ate lunch together, we worked at Dunkin´ Donuts together, and hung out after school together. Speaking of lunch, there was a situation in which we accidentally nailed a group of upperclassmen with a plastic water bottle. When they came over to confront us, you took the heat despite the fact that you weren´t the one who threw it. So thank you for saving my butt. Literally.

Josh, thank you for making my high school graduation party memorable. Typically those sort of events can be rather annoying (having to shake hands and kiss babies like a politician). That all ended when you showed up in your white trans am and did a burnout in the parking lot of covered bridge park to the excitement of all the men in my family and the disapproval of all of the women.

Josh, thank you for your military service. Every American who enjoys the freedoms and liberties of this country are indebted to you and the other members of the armed forces.

Josh, thank you for being such a great friend to my family. You were a groomsman in my wedding. You came over to my house and hung out on our patio. We had a few beers and cigars until the AM hours. I´d give anything to have a few extra hours doing that with you. You many times met me over at my in-laws to watch football games with my family. My dog Cooper, who also recently passed, always gravitated toward you. He loved that you petted his ears. One of our favorite family memories is when you invited us to the horse stable so that my daughter could meet your horse (also named Cooper). You placed root beer barrels and other candies in her small hand so that she could give your horse a treat.

Josh, thank you for jinxing the Phillies. In your last text to me, you complained about Aaron Nola´s new 7 year contract and the fact that he wouldn´t live up to the expectations. Your baseball analysis was always spot on and for that reason I am expecting 7 dreadful years out of Nola. So thanks a lot for that...

Josh, I am thankful for your life and the memories we shared together. I pray that we meet again. I would like to close with Proverbs Chapter 18, Verse 24.

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Austin L, AZ

November 26, 2023

In this world it´s rare to find people of quality, and rarer still to find lasting friendship with those people. For the past decade Josh has been one of my best friends, a brother to me and someone whom I´ll never forget. Through all the ups and downs in life, he was always there and never faltered in helping a friend in need. Whether it was solving a large and complex problem, or sending something funny to laugh at, he was always there. I never questioned if he and I would remain lifelong friends, but never imagined it would end this early. His loss leaves a hole in the heart of everyone who knew him. I miss you my friend, may you rest in peace.

TF

November 26, 2023

TF

November 25, 2023

TF

November 25, 2023

TF

November 25, 2023

Dr. A.K.M.

November 25, 2023

Dr. A.K.M. - Corpus Christi Medical Hospital
Josh was a colleague and a friend and I felt thankful to serve alongside him.
My heart is breaking over the tragedy. He was an incredibly special person and I am so thankful to have known him as I did.
Some of my favorite memories of Josh include laughing in the break room over funny patient stories or sharing a beer on the Corpus Christi beaches. He was incredibly bright and witty, easily lighting up even the dreariest day.
Like many corpsman, Josh had bigger dreams. I am so impressed to hear he not only succeeded in obtaining his Bachelor´s and Masters degree, but was currently pursuing a second Masters.
It is with a heavy heart I remember and honor a true friend who dedicated their life to the service of others.
Ashley

HM1 Rob M.

November 25, 2023

Thoughts from HM1 Rob M:

Learning of the passing of Josh was very unexpected to say the very least. I met a very young Josh in Corpus Christi, where he was stationed at the Naval Air Station Clinic. When he checked in I sat him down and asked him what he wanted to do and what he expected to learn while he was there. Very shy and bashful he wasn´t forthcoming on anything. Getting information or getting him to talk was like pulling teeth. Couple of months past before he finally felt comfortable opening up a little bit. I can still hear his voice. "HM1, I´m not sure this Navy thing is for me." We had a good conversation were I told him he had plenty of time to go to school and prepare to separate from the Navy. With a befuddled look he thought I´d be upset. I explained to him my job was to make him a better Sailor and a better man at the same time. If he stayed in good for the Navy, if not he would get out better for his experience he got from the Navy. It was after this meeting Josh opened up and became more social and more confident. After I retired he would send me a message or give me a call asking for my thoughts on his current situation on school or career decisions. I was honored every time he reached out. Of my friend I can say this with the utmost confidence. Josh was a good Sailor and he was a better man. I can see his face now with his soft eyes trying to keep himself from smiling. Only the good die young, this is very true about my friend Josh. You will be missed.

Amanda K.

November 25, 2023

From Amanda K. - Corpus Christi Medical Hospital
Good afternoon,
Ashley K. shared your email address and the news of your son´s passing with me. I´m so saddened to hear this news and I´m sorry for your loss.
I worked with your son in the flight med clinic in Corpus Christi. I remember him as "Fish" - we rarely used full names and rank in clinic. The attached photo is exactly how I remember him and picture him in my head - with a small smile and a "can-do" attitude. The photo is from a day in clinic when Fish helped me bandage the burns one of our pilots received playing with fireworks over the preceding weekend. Unfortunately for the pilot, the bulky bandages we had to place over his burned thumbs put him in a "thumbs up" position for the next few days. The staff taking care of the pilot took the photo and sent it to our patient as a get-well-soon wish and a gentle, teasing reminder to be more careful.
From left to right are Dr. A. D., myself and HM1 L.


My heart goes out to you, your family and Fish´s friends and loved ones. May memories of happier times bring you strength in your grief.

JJ

November 25, 2023

From JJ - Jay M.

Josh was a once in a lifetime kind of friend. Josh was the kind of person who would check in on his friends and always knew when you needed him the most. He would always view life in the most positive way. The glass was always half full. I always looked up to him for the perspective he had on life. He would always give the best advice and tell you things even if it wasn´t what we may want to hear. He was a straight up genuine, honest, and incredible person. He was a great son, brother, an amazing friend, and I will truly miss him. From the times we shared in tae kwon do to gaming online together I will always remember those wonderful times together. Everyone who knew him was very fortunate. I will miss you, my friend. Until we meet again.

Gary M.

November 25, 2023

From Gary M

My friend Josh Fisher was one of the smartest kind hearted men I have ever met.He was one of my closest friends, I could depend on him whole heartily. Josh was the kind of man that with no hesitation would be at the side at any of his family or friends who needed him at any time. I will miss his no BS mentality about everything. One of my fondest memories was when we went to guthesvilll and started shooting their steel targets but we didn´t notice that they were angled wrong and we ended up getting a few ricochet fragments in our forearms. We plucked them out laughed about it and took about 20 feet back and kept shooting. I will always miss his "o-sH*t, we almost got hurt" laugh. I am truly thankfull for all the time I had with him.

Morgan Fisher

November 25, 2023

Morgan Fisher Reflects on her Brother Joshua:
To those that have had the opportunity to have been around Josh, know how he leaves a lasting impact on your life. Josh was the person you called for any life event. He was always in your corner, celebrating achievements with you, being the voice of reason, and of course to make you laugh. His sarcasm and wittiness were unmatched. You never had to wonder what he was thinking, he would always let you know. His love for his family, Judah, and friends was genuine and ran deep. Josh was a loved son, grandson, big brother, and friend.

We all have our special memories with him that will keep him alive forever. I am beyond proud to call you my big brother, I love you Josh. I hope you are laughing at my grammar errors up there. You are missed immensely

Vicki Fisher

November 25, 2023

Vicki Fisher Reflects on her Brother Joshua:
Josh was an exceptional man, looking out for his family, friends, and loved ones. He excelled at tae kwon do and baseball at a young age.
I was jealous at the age of 13 at the thought of sharing a bat mitzvah with Josh. I feel honored to have celebrated our b´nai mitzvah together and will cherish that memory for the rest of my lifetime.
Josh was an accomplished corpsman in the Navy. He met some very special people along the way whom he kept in touch with as he accelerated his career. His interest in medicine rekindled my interest and in turn led to me pursuing a nursing career. I could always share healthcare jokes with him and he would understand them. I could vent about my struggles working as a floor nurse and he would always listen. I know he was proud and approving of my recent career change in emergency medicine and is watching from above.
Josh was an extraordinary writer and an expert with the grill. He was a great son, brother, friend, etc. He truly was multitalented and had so much going for him, so much to give. He made his family proud and continues to do so.

Mom and Dad

November 25, 2023

Our Amazing Son, Joshua David Fisher

Josh was the most loving and caring son, brother, and grandson one could ever imagine. We are so lucky to have him and although he left us way too soon, his life lives in our hearts and minds for as long as we live.
Josh was so easy going. Thoughtful, intelligent, and a great problem solver. But most of all, Josh lived his life everyday on his own terms with confidence and amazing amount of independence. He was soft-spoken but never shied away from sharing his beliefs and values.
His early life was full of great activities and interests. Lori and I attending almost every tournament, game and event during these formative years.
Taekwondo from grade school through high school, mostly at Kim´s Black Belt Academy.
Baseball with the same love and passion as Taekwondo, also from grade school through high school. Last year, Josh and his dad went to 2022 NLCS to watch the Phillies clinch a spot in the World Series against the Houston Astros. These dream tickets we purchased by Lori and Todd to see the game together. Lori decided she wanted Josh to go in her place so he could be with his dad to share the post-season together as father and son.
Fishing was another passion. Josh enjoyed fishing with mom, dad, and his Opa Leiby every available opportunity. He teased his sisters Vicki and Morgan relentlessly especially when they hooked a frog which dangled in their face. He had a mischievous giggle and smile and love to tease his sisters all the time.
Josh loved spending time with his sisters Vicki and Morgan and his grandparents. He was always there to play with them and help them in any way. He was also incredibly protective of his two sisters and stayed close with them at all times.
Josh enjoyed pistol and rifle target shooting with his dad. Safety was paramount in every way. As time progressed throughout his Navy years, his knowledge and proficiency with firearms far surpassed dads. He was an accomplished Marksman in the Navy and became a Certified Range Instructor during his enlistment.
Joshua enlisted in the US Navy just before graduating from high school. He attended the Great Lakes Boot Camp and from there he began his studies to become a Hospital Corpsman. We received a call from Josh sometime thereafter asking us to drive his Pontiac Trans Am to Camp Lejeune, NC. He selected it to attend a second Boot Camp with at this renowned Marine Corps Base. He became a Fleet Marine Combat Hospital Corpsman. Josh finished his Naval career at Corpus Christi, TX and received his Honorable Discharge from the Navy by completing his required obligations. He then transferred to Naval Reserve until 2017.
Joshua returned home and lived with Todd and Lori. During this time, he worked at Lehigh Valley Hospital as Technical Partner.
He then attended Muhlenberg College and earned his Bachelor´s Degree in English. He was involved in Muhlenberg´s writing center as a tutor and especially enjoy assisting veterans of the military.
Josh then attended Arcadia University where he earned a Masters Degree in Creative Writing. During this time, Josh completed a novel as his Masters requirement. He continued his passion of professional writing including a few blogs. Also during his time at Arcadia University, he became a member of Arcadia University Knights Esports Athletics, an NCAA Division III sports team.
In between Muhlenberg and Arcadia, Josh worked as a Phlebotomist for over a year.
While living at home throughout his college years, Josh owned 3 horses and took care of them. It was around this time that he acquired interest in Leather craft and has made many beautiful items. He most recently replaced the leather handles on one of Lori´s purses and the workmanship is incredible.
Needless to say, we are the proudest parents of such a wonderful son. We will keep his memory alive until the end of time. We are going to continue his pursuit of having his novel and other works published. We love and loved you Joshua more than most parents ever experience.
Forever loving,
Mom and Dad

For Six Friends of My Best Friend

November 25, 2023

For Six Friends of My Best Friend

November 25, 2023

Charles French

November 22, 2023

I apologize for my initial message that was so brief. I was in deep shock over Josh's passing. To all of his family and friends, please accept my deepest condolences. He will be sorely missed.

Helga Harper, Clarksville, TN

November 22, 2023

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

John Mecca

November 22, 2023

Dear Todd, Loretta and Family:

I was saddened and shocked to read about Joshua's untimely passing in today's paper. How well I remember having him and all your family as my patients years ago prior to my retirement. Surely he was a special young man having served his country as a corpsman in the Navy. Having had worked with many corpsman during my time in the Navy, they were brave and irreplaceable men.
My sincere condolences for your loss, and please feel free to contact me by my e-mail address:
[email protected].

Sincerely,
John Mecca MD

Dick Orlemann

November 22, 2023

Todd and Loretta,

I am so sorry to learn of your Josh's passing. May his memory bring you peace.

Charles French

November 21, 2023

Josh was one of my best students and a very good friend.

Grateful

November 21, 2023

Sir,
Thank You for Your service to our country.

God Bless You!
God be with your family!

Sincerely,
A Grateful American

Dan Christman

November 21, 2023

To the Fisher Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Josh has been one of my greatest friends since middle school. He was the most genuine person I have ever met. He tried to come off as a tough guy, but under those tattoos was a humble, caring, and compassionate friend who I will miss dearly. Continued prayers for God's peace and comfort during the days, weeks, and months ahead.

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Graveside service

1:00 p.m.

Keneseth Israel Cemetery

Allentown, PA

Funeral services provided by:

Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Homes, P.C. - Allentown

1629 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18102

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