William Ernest Fisher
William Ernest “Bill” Fisher, 74, of Middlefield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center.
Bill was born on Jan. 12, 1951, in Painesville, Ohio, to the late William Joseph and Helen Olive (nee Pash) Fisher.
A lifelong resident of Middlefield, Bill graduated from Cardinal High School in 1969 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in education from Kent State University in 1973.
Bill was deeply involved in the Middlefield community throughout his life. His passion for youth development began early as an avid 4-H member, where he participated in horse shows and later served as an advisor and judge. He was honored as Junior Fair King at The Great Geauga County Fair during his youth. He was also a member of the Village Masonic Lodge in Burton.
For 35 years, Bill dedicated his professional life to Cardinal High School, where he was a beloved teacher and coach. He coached track, cross country, basketball and football, and served as the school’s athletic director from 1996 until 2008. One of his proudest achievements was helping in the construction of a new all-weather track which was a labor of love for him.
In 2015, he was appointed president of the Cardinal High School Huskie Nation Foundation, continuing his lifelong support of student-athletes. He was inducted in the Cardinal Athletic Hall Fame in 2014 and in 2018 was inducted as a distinguished alumnus by Kent State University of Air Aeronautics and Engineering.
After retiring, Bill remained active as a track and cross country official and continued his commitment to youth athletics.
In his personal life, he enjoyed woodworking, painting (especially while watching Bob Ross), camping and traveling. Known affectionately by his family as “Dance and Swim Grandpa,” he was deeply involved in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, especially their school and sporting events.
Bill will be dearly missed by his loving wife and high school sweetheart, Terri Fisher, whom he married on July 28, 1973. He also is survived by his children, Heather Fisher (Todd Scales), Kurtis Fisher (Rebecca) and Lance Fisher (Crystal); and his cherished grandchildren, Anastasia, Rylie, Kelsey, William and Allison.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, from 2-6 p.m., at Cardinal High School Gymnasium, 14785 Thompson Ave., Middlefield.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the Cardinal Athletic Boosters, P.O. Box 41, Middlefield, OH 44062.
Sly Family Funeral Home assisted his family with arrangements. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.slyffh.com.
