Robert Bishop Fiske Jr.

Robert Bishop Fiske Jr.
Robert Bishop Fiske Jr., devoted family man and esteemed lawyer, died peacefully at his home in Darien, Connecticut, on December 4, 2025. He was 94. The cause was pancreatic cancer.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on December 28, 1930, Bob spent his formative years in Darien. He met his future wife, Janet Tinsley, when they were teenagers. They remained happily married for over 71 years, often repeating the phrase, "together forever."
Bob's greatest joy was his family. Many of his happiest moments were spent sharing adventures with them. He cherished trips to Block Island, Nantucket, Steamboat, and special times together at a second home in Vermont. An avid outdoorsman, he hiked the Long Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and New Zealand's Milford Track, and took particular pride in completing the New York City Marathon and RAGBRAI, as well as riding for many years in the Pan-Mass Challenge. He was a longtime member and sailor at the Noroton Yacht Club and an enthusiastic fly fisherman at the Balsam Lake Club. Bob embraced every opportunity to be outside, turning boating, skiing, and countless other activities into treasured family memories. He continued playing tennis and kayaking in Long Island Sound well into his nineties.
An alumnus of Pomfret School, Yale University, and the University of Michigan Law School, Bob was a distinguished partner at Davis Polk & Wardwell. He served as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York from 1976 to 1980, leading one of the nation's most prominent prosecutorial offices. He personally led several high-profile cases, including the conviction of "Mr. Untouchable," Harlem drug kingpin Nicky Barnes. While at the SDNY he began his dedication to the hiring and advancement of women in the legal profession.
In 1994, Attorney General Janet Reno selected Bob to serve as Independent Counsel investigating President Clinton's involvement in the Whitewater matter, a role for which he was universally praised across the political spectrum for his sterling reputation, non-partisan decision-making, integrity, and prosecutorial excellence.
Bob's professional achievements and reputation garnered him numerous awards and distinctions. In addition, he served as President of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the Federal Bar Council.
Reflecting his belief that exposure to both public and private practice cultivates more experienced lawyers, Bob created the Fiske Fellowship Program at the University of Michigan Law School in 2001 to financially support graduates beginning their careers in public service. He was deeply committed to public service and the communities he loved. Bob devoted many years to the Board of Trustees of Vermont Law School, helping to shape and strengthen its future, and to the Vermont Natural Resources Council, reflecting his long-standing passion for conservation and the environment. Closer to home, he served as the Darien Police Commissioner for many years.
In 2014, he published Prosecutor, Defender, Counselor: The Memoirs of Robert B. Fiske Jr., reflecting on his legal career and personal life. After retiring from Davis Polk, Bob continued to work on legal matters, serving on committees, and participating in pro bono cases until his death.
Bob had a remarkable intellect and memory, matched by his kind and generous nature. He had a rare ability to connect with anyone, taking a genuine interest in their lives. His dry wit and understated manner often belied his outgoing nature and boundless energy. His zest for life shone through in the way he loved planning gatherings with family and friends. Many of these grew into lasting traditions, particularly attending Yale and University of Michigan sporting events.
Bob leaves behind his beloved wife Janet; their children Linda, Robert, and Susan (Rusty Williams); five grandsons: Ryan (Ellen), Calvin (Milena), and Robert "Roby" Williams; George and Sam Fiske; and great-grandson, Owen Williams. He is survived by his brother John, and predeceased by his brother McNeil.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 31 at 2 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Darien. To watch online, visit https://www.saintlukesdarien.org/event/funeral-for-robert-fiske/
The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Robert B. Fiske Jr. Fellowship Program in Public Service: https://giving.umich.edu/um/w/robert-b.-fiske-jr.-fellowship-program-in-public-service-575174 , Soundwaters https://soundwaters.org/donatenow, or a charity of your choice.