Robert William Fischer
Robert William “Bob” Fischer, 81, of Naples, Florida, passed away on August 19 at the Avow Hospice House in Naples surrounded by his family.
Bob was born on May 16, 1942 in Charlotte, Michigan, the oldest child of William and Evelyn Fischer. He was raised on an active farm that is still owned by his family. He attended K-8th grade in a one-room schoolhouse in Charlotte and then attended Charlotte High School where he was named prom king and Mayor in his Senior Year. Bob graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Albion College in 1964 and was a proud member of Sigma Chi. He received his masters degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Michigan in 1966. He remained an avid supporter of University of Michigan athletics. He didn’t wear one article of clothing that did not have a blue M on the pocket and his cell phone ring tone was set to “The Victors.”
Bob served in the Navy for three years as an officer in the Key West Naval Hospital. He began his career in hospital administration at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. His ability to transform hospitals to stability and profitability took him and his family throughout the United States, settling in nine states and the island of Antigua. Bob’s longest and most fulfilling position was as President and CEO of Northwest Hospital in Randallstown, Maryland. Upon retirement, Bob settled in Fort Myers, Florida to be closer to his parents. He most recently resided in Naples with his wife Marianne.
Bob was married to Marianne Stevens in 1965. They were divorced after 31 years of marriage and found each other again after 17 years of separation. They were remarried in 2017 and had a beautiful and unique love story to share with everyone that they met. Bob is survived by his wife, Marianne St. Johns and his three children, all of whom claim to be his favorite, Shelly Murray (Michael), Robert Fischer (Christie), and Ryan Fischer (Angela); his grandchildren Brenna Gneo (Vinny), Brady Murray, Jackson Fischer, and Reese Fischer. He is also survived by his sister Sherry Myers (Fred); niece Samantha Myers and nephew Paul Myers (Melissa). Bob was extremely proud of his children’s accomplishments, their families, and the close bond that they share.
Bob has a rich history of travel and a large circle of friends. In his later years, he enjoyed dining and playing cards with friends and neighbors. He was funny, yet competitive and loved nothing more than winning back the trophy at weekly card games. Through COVID and beyond, Bob looked forward to his monthly Zoom calls with his high school friends from Charlotte. He enjoyed participating in events as a member of the Northside Naples Kiwanis Club. He utilized and appreciated the services of the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida. Throughout his decline with Parkinson’s Disease, Bob’s goldendoodle, “Sir William” remained by his side.
Bob will be remembered as a kind, giving, and loving husband and father. He instilled the values of independence, motivation, and generosity in his children. He was a thoughtful and generous “Pop-Pop” and “Pop twice” to his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Northside Naples Kiwanis Club, that supports children in need in Collier County (PO Box 110333, Naples, FL 34108). Separate memorial services will be planned for the near future both in Naples, and with the spreading of ashes at the family farm in Charlotte.