Robert F. Fischer's Obituary
We are saddened to announce the passing of our dear father, Robert Frank Fischer, age 92, on January 14, 2024. He passed peacefully in his home of 9 years in Leesburg, Virginia. Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife Cynthia (Tripp) Fischer of 63 years in 2018.
Bob was born to Robert and Mary (Auerbach) Fischer on August 16, 1931 in Passaic, NJ. He was the oldest son in a family of 5 sisters (Jean, Joan, Lucy, Lorraine, Tippy) and his “baby” brother Carl. Raised in Nutley, New Jersey, Bob was a Nutley HS Class of 1949 graduate. He followed in his fathers footsteps and joined the Erie Lackawanna Railroad that same year. There wasn’t a day in his 44 year career that Bob did not enjoy going to work. He spent his early years working long hours on freight trains for Erie Lackawanna and Conrail earning the title Cabooseman Bob. He later transferred to NJ Transit Pascack Valley commuter line where his passengers reaped the reward of his engaging personality. We dare say there wasn’t a dry eye in the station the day his last train pulled out in August 1993 as the train horn blew in celebration.
Bob never met a stranger, they were just friends he hadn’t met. Although tall in stature, Bob had a quiet gentle soul. He was a giver never asking for anything in return. He joyfully gave his time to serving The Railmen for Children organization and volunteering for the Nutley Red Cross. His passion for service to others continued as a member of the Nutley Elks Club for 71+ years of which he was most proud.
Bob loved his church. From his 8 o’clock service at Grace Church Nutley to his new church community at St David’s Ashburn. He was a big Giants fan, he enjoyed fishing and hunting, but found his true love in golf. He loved all music, especially classic country music. He loved to dance, fondly earning him the title of Mr. Bojangles. He was our “old soft shoe”.
Bob and Cindy raised their three children in their home of 56 years in Nutley. They enjoyed a simple yet most rewarding life. They were blessed with a long retirement where they spent time at their home in Pocono Farms, summers in Lavallette and winters in Vero Beach, Florida. In 2015 they relocated to Leesburg, Virginia. They quickly adjusted to this new life and were welcomed with open arms by their family and the Lansdowne Woods community.
Bob is survived by his daughter Jill (Bill) Knoll, son Bobby (Maryann Fischer), daughter Sharon (John)Kreger. He also leaves behind six beautiful granddaughters, Marguerite (Kyle)Grant, Kaitlyn (Matt)Eliff, Erin Godinez, Alison (Christopher) Saffos, Abigail (Joshua) Pouliot, Tara (Ryan) Zimmerman and twelve Great Grandchildren that adored their “Old Pop Pop” August, Gavin, Gunnar, Avalon, Adelaide, Tripp, Burke, Argio, Zane, Josephine, Armin, and Cynthia.
His funeral will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, 200 Highfield Lane, Nutley, NJ on Friday January 26, 2024. The family will be there to receive friends and family at 10:00 AM followed by funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment of Ashes will follow the service in the Grace Church Memorial Garden.
Donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Grace Episcopal Church, Nutley, NJ or St. David’s Episcopal Church, Ashburn, VA
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