Arnold G. Fisch Jr., veteran, talented professor

Arnold G. Fisch Jr., 80, passed away peacefully at his home in Ocean View Thursday, April 11, 2024.  He was born in Albany, N.Y., June 2, 1943, to Arnold G. Fisch Sr. and Elvira Smith Fisch. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy; their daughter, Jennifer Rollins and her husband Jonathan; his grandson, Carter; his sister, Carol Watts of Payson, Ariz.; and his cousin, Carol Aufdemberge of Frisco, Texas.

While attending SUNY at Albany, he entered the Navy as an enlisted man and spent the summers at Officer Candidate School, Newport, R.I. After graduating, he went to the Navy Communication/Crypto-Security School before being assigned to the USS Annapolis, a communication/relay ship, stationed in the Tonkin Gulf off the Vietnam coast. He served on that ship for 13 months during the Vietnam War.  

After his active military service, he received his master’s from University of Rhode Island and his PhD in history from Penn State. He became the chief of the Field and International Branch for the Center of Military History, part of the Department of the Army. During his time at the center, he edited their journal “Army History,” authored “Military Government in the Ryukyu Islands 1945-50,” and co-edited “The Story of the Non-Commissioned Officer Corps: The Backbone of the Army.”  In addition to his publications at the center, he wrote “The Department of the Army,” part of a series for high school students, and a history of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Springfield, Va., in celebration of its 20-year anniversary.

With a talent for teaching and a keen sense of humor, he became a popular professor at Strayer University in the D.C. area after he retired. Once he fulfilled his dream and moved to the beach, he continued to teach for University of Delaware, Owens Campus, Georgetown.

He was a devoted husband to his wife, Dorothy, with whom he shared over 56 years of marriage, and he loved spending time with his daughter and grandson. Those who knew him remember his passions for stamp and coin collecting, fishing, football, and metal detecting on the beach. He also sang in the choir at his church for almost 24 years. His spirit will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and dear friends. 

His family wishes to thank Pastor Don Schaefer, VITAS Healthcare, who provided compassionate care during the month he was in hospice, their church family, and their friends who have been so supportive during his illness.  

A memorial service will be held with visitation beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 11, at The Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Bay Vista Road, Rehoboth Beach, with a service following at 11 a.m. A reception will be held after the service in the fellowship hall.

If you would like to make a donation in his honor, the family suggests giving to the church at the above address.

Online condolences can be made by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.