Donald R. Fisher, Jr.

Donald Ray Fisher, Jr., 71, of Mechanicsburg, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 29, 2025. Born on December 26, 1953, in Harrisburg, he was the son of the late Gail (Enswiler) Young and Donald R. Fisher, Sr.

He would begin high school at the former John Harris High School before graduating from Central Dauphin High School in 1971. He first worked for the federal government in a little-discussed role that took him to the Middle East, including time in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. He went on to spend 30 years proudly serving in the PA National Guard as a diesel mechanic, drill sergeant, and chef—earning the nickname “Fish.” His time in Honduras sparked a lifelong love of South and Central America. Still working, he was a host at the Peppermill Restaurant in Mechanicsburg and volunteered his time maintaining the Meridian West Shore Pool.

A hard worker from the start, Don never shied away from a job. As a teenager, he began at Wanamaker’s and went on to hold numerous positions in the food and clothing industries—often working two or more at once—all while serving in the military. He also owned and operated his own catering business, F&H Foods.

Don was a talented carpenter and always eager to build, fix, or lend a hand. “Well-rounded” hardly captured him—he had a deep appreciation for the arts, was musically gifted, a food connoisseur, and bilingual.

He was a self-made man—brutally honest, hardworking, and proud. Don was a patriot, and he appreciated all the close friendships that would stem from his time in the service. His tough exterior and gentle soul will be missed.

Surviving Don is his daughter, Margarita “Rita” Fisher; two sons, Chester Fisher and Brett Melhorn (Melanie); brothers, Robert “Bob” Fisher and Joseph Fisher; and several grandchildren, half-siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves behind his partner and best friend, Nancy Carr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald “Ronnie” Fisher.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5 to 7PM on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland, where friends and family can gather to remember and honor the legacy Don leaves behind. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Don’s name to the Lebanon VA Stars and Stripes Healthcare Network.