William Anthony Fisher Sr.

William Anthony Fisher, Sr., 88, a longtime resident of Sharon, passed away early Tuesday morning, April 14, 2026, in UPMC Shenango Valley Hospital, Farrell, following a brief illness.

Mr. Fisher was born March 29, 1938, in Youngstown, OH, a son of the late Joseph and Mary (Getz) Fisher. Bill completed his formative schooling at Sacred Heart Parochial School, graduated from East High School, Youngstown, OH, in 1956, and later earned his bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University.

While in high school, Bill was a standout defensive back on the East High Golden Bears Varsity football team, which went undefeated and won the City Series Championship his senior season. He was also a talented fighter and member of the Golden Gloves Boxing Club.

In June of 1968, Bill was a member of the 80th graduating class from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy and served with the Patrol before working at the YSU campus police department. He then transitioned to plant protection at Packard Electric, where he remained for many years until the plant's closing. He then returned to the YSU Police Department, where he remained until his retirement. Invigorated with a strong work ethic, Bill was able to excel in many facets of law enforcement, which he enjoyed and was able to instill these values in his children. Every year, Bill would take a vacation from his service to work security at the Canfield Fair.

Bill enjoyed listening to music, particularly Italian music, and cherished the times he was able to take his family to the operas at YSU.

He also cooked at the former Rosemont Banquet Center in downtown Sharon, a business owned and operated by his brother, Bob, and his wife, Diane.

Bill was a faithful Catholic who had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother.

An avid hunter, he enjoyed spending time outdoors in the Allegheny Mountains, especially at his camp near Tionesta, PA. On several occasions, he was flown into the Canadian wilderness for hunting excursions.

His wife of 27 years, Marie Kathleen Smith Fisher, whom he married on May 17, 1987, preceded him in death on April 2, 2014.

Bill is survived by three sons, Bill Fisher, Jr. (Anne), Hubbard, OH, Matt Fisher (Lori), Clermont, FL, and Eric Fisher (Nekoe), Youngstown, OH; a daughter, Michelle Fisher-Miller, his dedicated caregiver, of Sharon, PA; his former spouse, Jane Francosky-Organ, Cortland, OH; eight grandchildren, Bill (Brianna), John, Joe, Emily (Barry), Hayley, Abby, Bryce (Jared), and Cierra; and a great-grandson, Theodore. Bill also leaves his step-children, Kevin Smith and Wendy Fusco (Frank).

In addition to his wife and parents, Bill was preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph and Robert Fisher; two sisters, Mary Ann Goodyear and an infant, Rosemary.

The family would like to thank the staff of St. John XXIII, Hermitage, as well as Dr. Joseph Kalik and the staff of UPMC Shenango Valley 2 West for their exceptional care and kindness.

In light of his love and devotion for his pet dogs, Kia, Cindy, and others, memorial donations may be directed to the Shenango Valley Animal Shelter, 2599, Broadway Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday (4-17-26) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday (4-18-26) in St. Joseph Church, 79 Case Ave., Sharon, with Rev. James Power, as celebrant.

Bill will be laid to rest next to his wife in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hermitage.