John Fisher, III passed away in his home in Virginia Beach, VA on September 11, 2023, at the age of 70 following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on October 5, 1952, at Lynbrook, NY to John Fisher, JR and Claire (Metzler) Fisher. He was married to Karan C. (Danbom) Fisher from Hemingford, NE on August 1, 1985.

John is survived by his wife Karan, daughter Claire Fisher Hurt, Virginia Beach, VA; granddaughters Rhiannan Marie Redden, Richmond, VA and Zenovia Lynn Hurt, Virginia Beach, VA; and his son John Fisher IV, Virginia Beach, VA. His surviving siblings are Susan Howell, Virginia Beach, VA; Claire Miller, Durham, NC; David Fisher, Cairo, NY; and James Fisher, White Hall, NY. He leaves to mourn many other relatives and friends.

His father & mother, John & Claire Fisher; brother Robert Fisher, all from Cairo, NY and his father and mother in-law Alan & Alice Danbom from Hemingford, NE. preceded him in death.

John graduated from Cairo High School, NY in 1971. Shortly after graduating, John enlisted in the United States Navy from which he retired on August 1, 1993, after honorably serving for 22 years and at the rank of Radioman Chief Petty Officer (RMC). John’s military service included his attending Basic Training at Orlando, FL; Radioman “A” School, Bainbridge, MD and Communication System Technical Control Supervisor (CSTS) School, San Diego, CA. His duty stations include Naval Communications Station (NAVCOMMSTA), Nea Makri, Greece; Naval Communications Unit (NAVCOMMU), Key West, FL; USS Luce (DDG-38); Naval Communications Station (NAVCOMMSTA), Thurso, Scotland; Naval Telecommunications Center Hampton Roads (NTCC), Norfolk, VA; USS Saipan, (LHA-2); Naval Communications Area Master Station Mediterranean (NAVCAMSMED), Naples, Italy; USS Donald B Beary (FF-1085) and USS Pensacola (LSD-38). Decorations and awards he received are: Good Conduct Medal (5); Navy Commendation Medal; Navy Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal (2); Special Operations Service Ribbon (USCG) (2); Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2); Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Overseas Service Ribbon; and Navy Battle “E” Ribbon. One of his highest honors was his being selected as NTCC Hampton Roads Sailor of the Year in 1983.

Following his military retirement, John just couldn’t sit idle and bask in his leisure. He held jobs in the civilian sector for the City of Chesapeake, VA in the Parks & Recreation department; City of Norfolk, VA in the Parks & Recreation department; City of Norfolk Police Department, 3rd Precinct and 1st Precinct, as Operations Officer; and as a courier for Pender & Coward Law Firm, Virginia Beach, VA, retiring from employment in July 2022.

John’s love for his family and friends was boundless. He will be remembered as a man who was authentic, genuine, dedicated, loving, kind and having a great sense of humor. Everyone who knew him took comfort in knowing that if they needed help, John would be right there. Later in his life, John found his talent in photographing nature and readily shared his photos with family & friends through social media. When he took his road trips to photograph nature and wildlife is when he communed with his higher power and felt most at peace.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 5, 2023 at 3:00pm, Essential Church, 4020 Ware Neck Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, with a reception to follow. The family invites any & all to come & share any memories or stories, knowing John would love us to laugh!

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to any nature or wildlife refuge of choice as we honor John’s love of nature and wildlife.