George Joseph Fisher

George J. Fischer, CDR USN Retired, passed away in Grass Valley on February 19, 2026 after a brief illness. George was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota on October 14, 1937 to Anton Francis and Marian Emily Blando Fischer. He attended Oregon State University on a NROTC Scholarship, and it was there that George met and married his first love, Kathleen Libbey. George earned a Bachelor of Science at OSU and, later, a Masters degree at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA. He was a lifelong Oregon State University Athletics fan. During his 24 years of service as a Naval Aviator, George and Kathleen moved their family around the world, living in Florida, Okinawa, California, Virginia, Chicago, and Guam. George’s wide range of assignments included the USS Yorktown, the USS Enterprise, Training Squadron ONE, Patrol Squadrons NINETEEN and THREE ONE, and Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE. George’s exemplary service was recognized with numerous decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Individual) and Strike/Flight (2), Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V”, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Ribbon (with 4 Bronze Stars), National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (with 2 Silver Stars), Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and others. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, George worked as an Executive Recruiter in San Francisco and Concord, CA. In retirement, George and Kathleen moved to Lake Wildwood where they enjoyed playing golf and bridge with friends, travel, and grandchildren. They were members of St. Patrick’s Church parish and George was also active in the Knights of Columbus at St. Patrick’s. His beloved wife Kathleen passed in 2010. George was blessed to find love again with his second wife, Shirley McManus Fischer. George and Shirley enjoyed 11 years together until Shirley passed in 2024. George will be remembered for his love of God, family, and friends. He enjoyed gardening, golf, reading mysteries and nonfiction, cheering on his sports teams, good jokes, puns, and conversation. He is survived by his children: Annette (Paul) Hargis, Laura (Mike) Noll, Cheryl Fischer, and Ronald Fischer. Grandchildren: William Pernsteiner, Benjamin Fischer- Shane, Isabella Noll, Nicholas Noll, Stephanie (Wesley) Blundell, Scott (Emily) Hargis, Shannon (Jared) Lavinder, Great-grandchildren; Ryan, Claire, and Avery. He also loved his stepdaughter Karen McManus and her sons Pierce McManus and Blair Rasnick. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Grass Valley on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 10:30am. A reception follows in the church hall. George’s family invites those who knew him to join us in celebrating a life well-lived. Arrangements are by Chapel of the Angels Mortuary and Crematory, Grass Valley.

George Joseph Fisher

October 14, 1937 - February 19, 2026