- Date Of Birth: February 13, 1940
- Date Of Death: July 13, 2014
- State: Maryland
Peter William Fisher, Jr., 74 was born on February 13, 1940 in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He was the oldest of twelve children born to the late Peter W. Fisher, Sr. and Evelyn Grant Fisher. He slipped away quietly after an extended illness on Sunday July 13, 2014 at United Medical Center in Washington, DC. He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth Carter Fisher, infant son Peter William Fisher III and 3 brothers 1st Sgt. Eugene R. Fisher, the Most Reverend Carl A. Fisher, SSJ, DD., and Earl L. Fisher.
He gave his life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church on March 10, 1940, First Holy Communion on May 25, 1947 and Confirmation on February 5, 1950.
Peter received his education at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Elementary School in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Graduated high school from Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic High School in Biloxi, Mississippi in 1958 and then attended Tennessee State University. He joined the United States Air Force in 1959 and was stationed in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This deployment was where he began his career in culinary arts; specializing in down-home Creole cuisine. Peter instantly fell in love with cooking, soon creating his own dishes that grew popular in the metropolitan area. In his career he has served the likes of Former Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs and Michael Jordan. When asked his secret, his response: “A pinch of that, more of this, and belief that your guests will enjoy every bite.” But beyond the taste of what was on his savory menu, it warmed his heart even more to know that his guests left happy from his smile and gift to serve them, not just the irresistible taste of his foods.
During his deployment in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Peter met the love of his life, the late Elizabeth Carter Fisher. They were introduced by Elizabeth’s grandmother the late Hester Sessions. After a short engagement the two were married on October 27, 1964 and began their life together. They moved to Alexandria, Virginia in 1971. They later joined the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in 1975 where they raised their entire family. Peter was a Minister of Hospitality and helped serve on many other various organizations and committees at St. Joseph’s. Anytime there was a church function that involved food, you better believe Peter was there with his apron on.
After moving to Alexandria, Virginia, Peter began his career as Executive Creole Chef for Cline Enterprises. He opened several restaurants: The Wharf, The Village Wharf, and 219 Restaurant. He even commuted for several years back and forth to Richmond, VA opening new restaurants. However, the 219 Restaurant was his pride and joy. He worked there for over 35 years until his retirement. Some of his famous dishes included gumbo, Louisiana barbeque shrimp, roasted rib eye, potato salad, collard greens and the list goes on. Peter didn’t do much baking but often would bake a short bread or pound cake.
Peter was very good with his hands and could diagnose and fix any mechanical issue with a car. He very often told his children, “Go ahead if you want to pay a mechanic, but we both know I can fix it!” He had more tools than that of most hardware stores.
Peter also was a huge sports fan. He loved and cherished the Washington Redskins (win or lose); they were his #1 team. He coached his youngest daughter (Roshanna’s) basketball team for many years and was proud of all the team’s accomplishments. He made sure you knew which trophies were his and which were hers.
Peter leaves to cherish 3 daughters: Terry Fisher (Raphael) Walker, Clarissa Fisher (Franklin) McClary, Roshanna Fisher; one son: James Derrick Fisher; one granddaughter: Tanzania Moore; four grandsons: Keith Anthony (Ana) Moore, Jermal Moore, Franklin McClary, and Izreal Fisher; one great granddaughter: Nina Moore; 4 brothers: Joseph (Eula) Fisher , Lester (Delphia) Fisher of , Paul (Terra) Fisher, Timothy Fisher ; four sisters: Ann Fisher (Carey) Brown, Sister Mary Alexis Fisher, OSP , Violet Fisher (Jerome) Lett , and Antoinette Fisher (Billy) White; brothers-in-law: Robert White , Fred Manigo, Charles Manigo, Alfonzo Deason; sister-in-law: Mary Friday; aunts: Joan Sessions and Geneva Sessions; God Children: Timothy Fisher, Rose Starks, and Racquel George Nicholas, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
