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William Fischer Obituary
Bill (William Roy) Fischer died 17 May 2011 at home in the Bronx, NY after a brave battle with cancer. He died at home in peace and with grace. Bill was a great writer insisting that writing had to be moving, interesting, and true. He lived his life that way.
He was born on 26 June 1942 in Two Rivers WI and grew up in St. Paul, MN. Bill served in Vietnam as a captain. After his service, he lived on a kibbutz in Israel, traveled widely, worked at Abel Bainnson Butz as a construction supervisor building city parks and playgrounds, ran marathons and ultra-marathons all over the country, and held leadership positions in the Manhattan Chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America and his running club, Millrose.
Bill was a wonderful friend and father. Friends counted on him for his sage advice, quick wit, ready laugh, insight, and honesty. He was kind and generous and made everyone feel valued and special. Bill and son Mateo shared many road trips in national parks in the southwest and the east coast, annual baseball road trips to major league stadiums, numerous Yankee games, batting and pitching practice in Van Cortland Park, camping trips, ice skating, and beach excursions.
"And did you get what you wanted from this life, even so?
I did.
And what did you want?
To call myself beloved, to feel myself beloved on the earth."
He certainly was.
He is survived by son Mateo Fischer, Mateo's mother Andrea Eschen, brother Richard Fischer and Francis Clare Fischer, sister Carolinda Fischer and Michael Shay, cousins, nephews, and scores of kind and loving friends. We are very grateful for the excellent and compassionate at Memorial Sloan Kettering and Calvary Hospital Hospice.
There will be a celebration of Bill's life on May 21 at 11:30 a.m. at Meridiana Restaurant at 2756 Broadway, Manhattan.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's name would be much appreciated to Fordham Preparatory School at East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458 or Friends of Van Cortland Park at 124 Gale Place Apt. GrA, Bronx, NY 10463.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Fischer
6 Entries
Andrea Eschen
April 29, 2012
The Parks Department and Abel Bainnson and Butz had a beautiful tree planting ceremony in Van Cortlandt Park on Friday, April 27. A white pine was planted for Bill - very apt. It was the first legacy tree planting in VCP and just where Bill and Mateo played ball. It was very moving to have so many of his friends and colleagues with us a year later. We sure do miss you, Bill, and think of you daily with love.
Mateo Fischer
October 19, 2011
We miss you, dad. You were more influential to all than you would like to admit. Personally, I can live with it. I can tell that, although you were my biggest fan, I would have driven myself crazy trying to please you. Although you unintentionally molded a many a person in your image, there will be no one quiet as soft to land on. After tasting the zenith of a category, average is hard to adjust to. I feel sorry for the people that must try to take your place.
Meg Holt
May 28, 2011
Bill and Amy talked me into joining Millrose in 1993 on the subway coming back from the Staten Island Half, my first. It has been many races since then, and I'll miss him.
Mary Spera
May 26, 2011
Such sad news. Bill you were the salt of the earth and friend that introduced me to Millrose. I'll never forget your kind words. I just can't believe it even now. I had no idea you were ill. Was out of the country and unfortunately not able to attend the memorial. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mateo, your family and to Andrea. I know you and Ralph are in heaven running ultras. Rest in peace my friend!
Kathleen Fischer
May 23, 2011
Bill, you were loved by many, and inspired many people.Your spirit will always be with us.
jody greco
May 23, 2011
I am so sad to hear about Bill..I had no idea that he was even sick. I will always remember Bill as that remarkably handsome man with those damn blue eyes and the tan and the smile, the whole package, that drove so many girls crazy. He had it all. He was honest and fun with a big heart and an easy going manner...well most of the time anyway. Bill you helped a lot of people. My sympathy goes out to your family and your son, of whom you were so proud.
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