Robert J. Fischer, (Bob) 98, of Medina, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, surrounded by his family. Bob was a native Clevelander, born on March 20,1928, the son of the late Philip and Mathilda (Stein) Fischer.

After his service in the Navy, he graduated from Kent State University and then Cleveland-Marshall Law School. He married his high school sweetheart Gizella in 1950, and they were married for 73 years. Their retirement years were split evenly between Port Clinton, Ohio and Punta Gorda, Florida.

His career defined much of his life. In 1953 he started work at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation as a credit interviewer in the patient accounts receivable department. With hard work and dedication, he rose through the ranks to become the Foundation’s first Director of Finance in 1978. This was a position he held until his retirement in 1985. A 32-year career for “FISCH” was highlighted by many achievements, including his introduction of electronic computing to the Foundation in 1966. His single most satisfying professional experience was his direction of the Foundation’s 1982 and 1983 sales of the largest hospital improvement revenue bond issues in this country‘s history. These bonds financed the Foundation’s expansion, including the Crile Building. Bob guided the Foundation’s financial operations from the fountain pens and green eye shades to floppy disc and electronic spreadsheets. For those that worked with him, his greatest accomplishment was exemplifying the true meaning of leadership, dedication and loyalty. His dedication to the Foundation and its financial fortunes was surpassed only by his love for his wife, Gay, and their three children, Chris, Laura, and Bob. He was an avid fisherman and loved being on the water. He loved fishing in Canada with his buddies and deep-sea fishing in the Gulf, but most favored fishing off his boat in Lake Erie, Pymatuning, Berlin Reservoir and Charlotte Harbor near their home in Florida. In his early years he was a loyal Cleveland Browns fan. He would attend almost every home game, enjoying what was then, the “glory days”.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gizella Fischer in 2024, his brother, Earl (Bertha) Fischer, his sister, Madeline (Frank) Kohler and his grandson David Ashby.

He is survived by his children, Christine (Thomas)Brajkovich, Laura Ashby, and Robert J. (Cheryl)Fischer, Jr.; grandchildren; Erin (Brett)Zelenak, John (Janeve) Brajkovich and Michael Ashby; great grandchildren; Andrew Zelenak, Garrett Zelenak, Nathan Brajkovich, Anna Brajkovich and Ian Brajkovich.

The family will receive friends at the Waite Funeral Home: 765 N. Court Street, Medina, OH 44256 on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 11 am – 12 pm, with a memorial at 12 pm and celebration of life to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in memory of Robert J. Fischer to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Messages of comfort and support may be sent to Bob's at www.waitefuneralhome.com.