Arnold G. Fischer

Arnold G. Fischer, 91, was born and raised in Locust Point, Baltimore, MD.  He attended School #76, played soccer and participated in field and track under the legendary coach, A. Igleheart.

In 1943, at the age of 17, Arnold left high school and enlisted in the Marine Corp.  He served with distinction in the South Pacific and participated in the invasion of Okinawa.  He was discharged from WWII in 1946 and then was recalled into the Marine Corp. in 1950 and served 16 months as an instructor at Camp Lejeune, NC.  He was discharged in 1952 and became an active member of the Parkville American Legion Post 183 for more than 60 years. His love for the Marine Corps shaped his character and he carried it through his life.  Between his military services, Arnold put himself through college while working full time for Exxon (then Esso Standard Oil Company), and graduated from the University of Baltimore with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering.  He later took graduate courses at LSU. Arnold’s 38 year career at Exxon was a source of great pride.  He began his career at Exxon as a driver of oil tankers and was continuously promoted and became an executive. Before retirement, he was the Manager of Chemical/Specialty Products Plant in Illinois. Over the years, he served Exxon in Baltimore, Chicago, Baton Rouge and Bradenton, Florida.

Upon returning to Baltimore in 1984, Arnold became an avid walker.  He regularly walked 8-10 miles per day.  He was active in the State’s Senior Olympic Program and won medals for walking, bowling, high jump and other field events.  Later in life, he enjoyed golf, bocce, reading and most especially spending the winter months in Key Colony Beach, Florida. He loved spending time with all of his snowbird friends from all over the country.  He also loved picnicking at Fort McHenry or Podickory Point Marina and watching the ships go by. Arnold was a member of Church of the Resurrection in Ellicott City, MD for 25 years and was a devout Catholic who prayed for his loved ones constantly.

He loved his family and friends dearly and enjoyed every conversation and shared occasion. He will be remembered as a man with a wonderful positive outlook and a zest for all that life had to offer. He never declined an invitation or an opportunity to have fun, especially if it involved his family. No school graduation, sick visit, birthday party or holiday was to be missed.

Arnold, son of James Fischer, Sr. and Elizabeth, is survived by his wife, Helen, of 25 years.  They celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary on 2/22/17 in Florida and celebrated the occasion with their family in April of this year. Arnold also leaves behind nine children/stepchildren, Bruce Fischer w/Angie, Karen Otto w/Boot, Lynn Leighton w/ Bob, Donna Hairfield w/Frank, Terry Woessner w/David, Linda Welch w/Nick, Elizabeth Fischer, Barbara Singleton w/Mark and Bill Welch w/JerriLynn.  He also leaves behind 24 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.  Arnold was predeceased by brother James Fischer, Jr. and sister Juanita Raab.