John Henry “Jack” Fisher, 85, a longtime resident of River Forest and Oak Park, died in Oak Park on July 28, 2025, at the age of 85 after living with Alzheimer’s for 10 years. He was cared for in his last year by the compassionate staff at Belmont Village. Born to the late Hazel (Sprague) and the late John Henry Fisher on Jan. 13, 1940, he grew up in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago. He married Carol, the love of his life, in 1961.
Jack enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sport, scout and music events. He picked up his grandsons from school every day and then spent every afternoon with them. In the evening he walked his dogs and gave them a ride in the car. He took his children and grandchildren to White Sox games. On Saturday nights, he ushered at St. Luke Catholic Church in River Forest and then took Carol out for supper.
A reader and a crossword puzzler, he read two newspapers a day. He favored hardboiled detective stories, read “A Christmas Carol” annually, and also read history, religion, politics — anything, really.
To support his family, he worked at the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) for 50 years. While there, he helped many find jobs as runners or clerks. During retirement he tutored children as part of the Working on Reading in the Morning (WORM) club at Irving Elementary School in Oak Park.
He had many friends and was always available to listen and encourage. He was a mentor to many and an example for those he supported.
Jack is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, Lynne, John (Jinger) and Nell (Thom); and his grandsons, Will Agnew and Matt Agnew.
A visitation and funeral Mass were celebrated on Friday, Aug. 1 at Ascension Catholic Church, 808 S. East Ave., Oak Park, followed by burial at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Hillside.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, https://www.salvationarmyusa.org.
Arrangements were handled by Peterson Bassi Chapels.