William A. Fisher Sr. 1938-2026

Mr. Fisher was born March 29, 1938, in Youngstown, a son of the late Joseph and Mary Getz Fisher.

Bill completed his formative schooling at Sacred Heart Parochial School, graduated from East High School, Youngstown, in 1956, and later earned his bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University.

While in high school, Bill was a standout defensive back on the East High Golden Bears varsity football team, which went undefeated and won the City Series Championship his senior season. He was also a talented fighter and member of the Golden Gloves Boxing Club.

In June 1968, Bill was a member of the 80th graduating class from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy and served with the patrol before working at the YSU Police Department. He then transitioned to plant protection at Packard Electric, where he remained for many years until the plant’s closing. He then returned to the YSU Police Department, where he remained until his retirement. Invigorated with a strong work ethic, Bill was able to excel in many facets of law enforcement, which he enjoyed and was able to instill these values in his children.

Every year, Bill would take a vacation from his service to work security at the Canfield Fair.

Bill enjoyed listening to music, particularly Italian music, and cherished the times he was able to take his family to the operas at YSU.

He also cooked at the former Rosemont Banquet Center in downtown Sharon, a business owned and operated by his brother, Bob, and his wife, Diane.

Bill was a faithful Catholic who had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother.

An avid hunter, he enjoyed spending time outdoors in the Allegheny Mountains, especially at his camp near Tionesta, Pa. On several occasions, he was flown into the Canadian wilderness for hunting excursions.

His wife of 27 years, Marie Kathleen Smith Fisher, whom he married May 17, 1987, preceded him in death on April 2, 2014.

Bill is survived by three sons, Bill (Anne) Fisher Jr. of Hubbard, Matt (Lori) Fisher of Clermont, Florida, and Eric (Nekoe) Fisher of Youngstown; a daughter, Michelle Fisher-Miller, his dedicated caregiver, of Sharon, Pa.; his former spouse, Jane Francosky-Organ, of Cortland; eight grandchildren, Bill (Brianna), John, Joe, Emily (Barry), Hayley, Abby, Bryce (Jared) and Cierra; and a great-grandson, Theodore. Bill also leaves his stepchildren, Kevin Smith and Wendy (Frank) Fusco.

In addition to his wife and parents, Bill was preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph and Robert Fisher; and two sisters, Mary Ann Goodyear and an infant, Rosemary.

The family would like to thank the staff of St. John XXIII Home in Hermitage, Pa., as well as Dr. Joseph Kalik and the staff of UPMC Shenango Valley 2 West, for their exceptional care and kindness.

In light of his love and devotion for his pet dogs, Kia, Cindy and others, memorial donations may be directed to the Shenango Valley Animal Shelter, 2599 Broadway Road, Hermitage, PA 16148.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2026, at J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon, Pa.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, at St. Joseph Church, 79 Case Ave., Sharon, Pa., with the Rev. James Power as celebrant.

Bill will be laid to rest next to his wife in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hermitage, Pa.

(special notice)