Donald L. Fisher 1948-2025

Don was born Sept. 2, 1948, in Binghamton, New York, the son of William R. Fisher Sr. and Florence Ockerman Fisher-Stockman.

Don came to the area at the age of 9. He resided in Boardman and graduated from Boardman High School in 1966, where he excelled as an athlete. He was a member of the wrestling team, the track team and the football team. Don’s athletic abilities earned him a place on the All-Steel Valley Football Team throughout his high school career and induction into the Boardman Athletic Hall of Fame for shot put.

Following high school, Don enlisted with the U. S. Army National Guard where he gained recognition as a sharpshooter.

Upon return from the Army, his career in law enforcement began with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Boardman Police Department and ultimately the Central Intelligence agency (CIA). His career with the CIA resulted in a necessity for second residence in Washington, D.C.

It was then that his passion for boats became apparent. He purchased a yacht which became his second home for 10 years. He earned a captain’s license and would take his family and friends on cruises down the Chesapeake Bay to the Inner Harbor and the Potomac River.

There was so much more to Don than his extraordinary career. He had many passions and skills that he shared with his family and friends. He enjoyed vintage sports cars, especially his Shelby Cobra. If you were out in the community, you would see him and Benita cruising around, singing tunes from Motown and country rock. He also had a passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He and Benita could also be seen cruising around the community on his 1997 Harley.

Don had a pilot’s license and loved to fly Benita and him from Youngstown to Pittsburgh for dinner. He was an equestrian, and he shared his love of riding horses with his granddaughters, whom he taught to ride. He was a master photographer and loved gardening. If Don could not grow it, then it could not be grown. He inherited this skill from his father. He looked forward to attending the Canfield Fair every year, a tradition he shared with his children and grandchildren.

He was no stranger to the kitchen. With his wife and grandchildren, especially during the holidays and the traditional Sunday dinners, he was there to add a spice or two and could be seen stirring the sauce.

Don was very adventurous and loved to travel. He wanted everyone to have the same opportunities that he was so fortunate to experience. He advocated travel to friends and family alike.

Don loved his family with an indescribable passion. He had a profound presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren. His favorite pastime was teaching his children and grandchildren life skills, especially how to live life safely.

His love of family didn’t stop with his biological family. He became the adopted dad and papa of many of his children’s friends. He so willingly gave of his time and talent to all. He was never too busy to teach or love. He was deeply invested in the lives of those he loved.

Don’s sense of humor would bring a crowd to its knees. He could take command of a room and entertain for hours. He led an intriguing and interesting life, and he willingly shared his experiences with those who wanted to hear more.

Don will always be remembered lovingly by his wife, Benita Marapese, whom he married July 25, 1970; two loving daughters, Amy (Deb) Fisher and Michelle (Brian) Flood; and three granddaughters, whom he adored, Alexis, Ava and Amelia Flood; a sister-in-law Sharon Fisher, and many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Besides his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brother, William R. Fisher Jr.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Tom Chirachella and his team for the remarkable, compassionate and relentless care they delivered to Don over the course of this past year.

Family and friends are invited to join the family 11:45 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman, for a formal funeral procession to a celebration of life honoring Don.

Per Don’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman. Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family and support by visiting the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.

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