John N. Fisher, retired teacher, coach
John “Jack” N. Fisher, 82, of Lewes, sadly left us Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023. Jack, also known as Coach by many, died as he lived, fighting for one more yard, one more first down, and one more day with his beloved family.
Born Aug. 29, 1941, to the late Emily A. McPherson Fisher and Thomas A. Fisher in Titusville, Pa., Jack often mentioned growing up in an idyllic small town, surrounded by many caring teachers and coaches. He played football, basketball, and track at Titusville High School, graduating in 1960.
Upon graduation, Jack continued his football career at Slippery Rock State College (University), playing in three PSAC Championship games, winning two of them. He graduated with bachelor of science degrees in physical education and history.
Jack married his school sweetheart, Carol A. Rembold. They and their baby daughter, Ann, moved to Dover in 1964, where Jack accepted a coaching and teaching position at Wesley Junior College. In football, he coached the offensive line and special teams, coaching several all-conference linemen. Jack started a wrestling program at Wesley in 1964. The following two years, the Wesley Grapplers were Tri-State Champions and were co-champions in 1967. In 1968, Jack earned a master of health science and physical education degree from West Virginia University. He felt the 10 years at Wesley Junior College were the most formative and learning times of his life. He would never forget what Wesley College provided for him and his family.
In 1974, the Fisher family, now numbering six with the addition of three more daughters, Margaret and twins Mary and Deby, relocated to Lock Haven, Pa. Jack taught in the Physical Education Department and was defensive coordinator at Lock Haven University. He was named head coach in 1978, winning the 1979 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championship, and was named Coach of the Year for the conference. That team formed a bond with each other and Coach that continues to this day. Jack stepped down as head coach in 1986. From 1986 to his retirement in 2002, he helped coach with numerous new head coaches, some of whom were his former players. He began teaching in the Health Science Department in 1984.
Upon retirement in 2002, Jack and Carol were able to travel across the country several times, visiting friends and former players. Jack gave up his noontime jogging to become an avid bicyclist, riding 70 miles on his 70th birthday. He enjoyed more than 20 years of retirement.
Often people would comment to Jack, after having four daughters, that it was a shame he didn’t have any sons. Jack would reply that he felt lucky to be so well-loved by those four, and eventually five granddaughters.
Not long after retiring, Carol and Jack were blessed with two grandsons and eventually two great-grandsons. He got his boys when he had the time to spend with them.
Jack always made sure to involve his girls in all aspects of the football program. They looked forward to staying in the dorms during summer camp, helping put equipment in players’ lockers, and standing on the sidelines cheering. Jack raised four beautiful, loving, caring daughters, while having a profound impact on hundreds of young men, loving every one of them.
In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by his brother, J. Thomas Fisher; his beloved daughter, Mary Kathryn Zerbey; and his son-in-law, Rich Williams. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol Fisher; his children, Ann Fisher of Brooksville, Vt., Margaret Murphy (Larry) of Lewes, and Deby Evans (Jeff) of Milton; his son-in-law, Jason Zerbey of Wilmington; his granddaughters, Bailey Tenerovich, Aja Tenerovich, Sadie Tenerovich, Emily Sferlazza (Tony) and Marley Evans; his grandsons, Westen Zerbey and Isaac Zerbey; his great-grandsons, Bowie Sferlazza and Crosby Sferlazza; his sister, Joan Carter (Allen) of York, Pa.; several nieces and nephews; and many friends, players, coaches, and colleagues whom Jack considered his extended family.
A memorial service will be held at noon, Saturday, Dec. 2, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
All who are unable to attend the service in person are invited to join via livestream by visiting: Epworth UMC - Rehoboth Beach, DE - YouTube.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Jack Fisher Memorial Scholarship, grayeaglesfootballalumni.com; or Mothers Against Drunk Driving, madd.org/Delaware.
