Obituary

Former Fire Chief Robert Fischer dies at 81

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Robert Fischer, a former chief of the Seaford Fire Department, died on Dec. 9, just four days shy of his 82nd birthday.

Fischer was born on Dec. 13, 1932, and was a lifelong resident of Seaford. He grew up on Jackson Avenue and attended elementary school down the street, before moving on to Freeport High School.

He was in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1953, serving in the Korean War. Fischer worked for Slomin’s home heating oil company for close to 50 years as a truck driver. He and his wife, Adeline, were married on Feb. 7, 1960, and raised three children in Seaford.

After Fischer retired, he and Adeline moved to Florida. Robert returned to Seaford a few years ago, after her death.

He was a 65-year member of the Seaford Fire Department, and was its chief from 1971 to 1972. He served one term as commissioner for the Fire District, and was secretary to the board of commissioners for more than 20 years. Fischer’s father and uncles were also involved with the Fire Department.

Paul Lochner, the current chief, said Fischer was known for being the firehouse cook for many years, and prepared food for many of the department’s events and activities. “He was always in the kitchen,” Lochner said. “That was his domain.”

Lochner added that Fischer was chief when the Fire Department moved into its current headquarters on Southard Avenue.

Wes Weeks, a former chief, was in the department with Fischer for many years. “He was a very good chief. He was fair,” Weeks said. “You got in trouble, you got yelled at. If you were a good guy, you were fine.”

For Fischer, the members of the Fire Department were like a second family. Weeks said that Fischer loved the camaraderie and had a good sense of humor.

He also enjoyed playing golf, clamming, fishing and going out on his boat. According to his family, he was also an exceptional gardener.

Survivors include two daughters, Diane Matthews and Roseanne; a son, Robert, and his wife Dawn; a sister, Patricia; and grandchildren Jenny, Christopher, Alex, Michael, Allison, Kaitlyn and Joseph. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his brother, Charles.

Services were held at the Schmitt Funeral Home on Merrick Road in Seaford.