Gary Edward Fischer, a longtime resident of Valparaiso, age 82, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2024. He is the son of Francis and Norma Fischer (Cyr) of Leominster, MA. He is preceded in death by his parents and youngest brother, William Fischer. On June 14, 1980, he married the love of his life, Judy Pifer. He was a beloved father, husband, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Gary was born on April 13, 1942 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts where he spent his formative years. He graduated from Leominster High School and later attended the University of Buffalo. Upon graduation from high school, he served in the United States Marine Corp from 1961 to 1965. Gary earned his CLU (Certified Life Underwriter) from the American College of Financial Services. He was the founder of Benefit Services Inc. (BSI) which sold life and health insurance. He also created TPA One which provided group employee benefits and adjudicated insurance claims. Throughout his career, he was known for his hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others.
More than anything, Gary was a devoted father. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was always there to offer guidance, support, and encouragement, no matter what challenges they faced. In his free time, Gary enjoyed golf, photography, fishing and traveling. He was always eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others. He was an active member of his community, volunteering for various causes and organizations.
Gary is survived by his loving wife, Judy Fischer (Pifer), his children, Jeffrey Fischer (Barbara) of Vienna, Austria and Bret Fischer (Lisa) of Kansas City, MO, and his grandchildren, Madison and Laney Fischer, siblings Kevin Fischer (Jane) Port Orange, FL, Rainore Obara Tucson, AZ, Peter Fischer Denver, CO, and Heidi Fischer Lunenburg, MA, as well as many nieces and nephews. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
Gary enjoyed his time spent at his condo in Pompano Beach Florida for 22 years. He served as the president of the homeowners association for seven years. He also loved to play golf at the Valparaiso Country Club and enjoyed fishing and boating on Lake Michigan. The last two winters he found pleasure in Bluffton, SC getting to know and socialize with new neighbors and friends. Anywhere he went he was accompanied by his buddy, Happy, who was his Shih Tzu for 11 years. Gary was a member of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, Elks Lodge #500, Porter Lodge #137 Freemasonry, South Bend Scottish Rite and Orak Shrine.
Those who knew Gary could always rely on his jovial ways and sense of humor. He was famous for his attempts at convincing family members and those closest to him of the wildest of things. One was constantly having to research "facts" in order to clarify or repudiate those humorous jibes. He can be described with words like Gentleman, Loyal, Kind, Loving and Humorous. Gary was always prepared to share a corny joke or sage advice. He was the consummate Boston Red Sox fan and devoted consumer of lobster and fried clams. At any given time he was following one of his Boston teams with a harsh comment should they not be on the winning side. In a tribute to Valparaiso, he became as ingrained and accepted as though he were a locally born boy. He loved his Hoosiers, and they loved him.
Visitation at Moeller Funeral Home on Sunday, July 28 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. with an Elks Service at 3:30 p.m. Funeral service will be on Monday, July 29 at Moeller Funeral home at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery with Military Honors. Moeller Funeral Home is located on 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, IN. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Valpo Parks Foundation—designated to Jesse-Pifer Park or a charity of the donor’s choice.
GUESTBOOK
Sincere condolences to Judy and family. He will really be missed. Great person. Got to know him because he and Judy lived in the same condo building in Pompano. He was always in the pool and always very jovial. He brought one of his brothers to meet us that could really bark like a big cross dog and he went out on our deck and kept barking. We were not allowed dogs in our building and was heard by everyone. He will be missed by so many people as everyone loved him. God bless Judy and family. -Trudy Carson
Prayers for Judy and all your families now you have to take care of Judy. Condolences for everyone. -Barb Pierce and Don Woods
Judy, thanks for speaking to us the other day confirming Gary's passing. We were saddened at the news. By "we", I mean Brian and Karen Ritchie and Brian and Vicky Baxter. We have fond memories of those great visits to Pompano Beach with Ray (deceased 2009) and Trudy Carson and the Pompano Beach Seafood Festivals! Ray and Gary can now practice their golf games together! We think of Gary, when we visit Catfish Dewey's restaurant, as he introduced us to the place! It was just last fall when we accidentally ran into you at Macy's in Ft. Lauderdale. It was great to catch up. We were not aware that Gary was ill. He looked his normal self. Gary will be well and long remembered. In sympathy, -S. Boyd (Lieutenant, retired), CLU (not quite retired) and Franscine Anderson
I am sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I worked part time for him many moons ago. He had a great sense of humor and a laugh you could hear from his office out to the front desk! He was always such a great man to work for. -Barb Wright Weiss
