Morton Pete Fischer, who started the Fischer Bearing Company of Mamaroneck, N.Y., and ran it for more than 45 years, died on Jan. 15 in Matthews, N.C. Mr. Fischer, who had lived on Gravesend Avenue in Montauk for many years, had colon cancer. He was 86.
He and the former Suzanne Meryl Goldberg, who were married on Aug. 8, 1967, enjoyed boating, fishing, and the beaches of Montauk, where they were happiest, their daughter, Joanne Rafoss of Ridgefield, Conn., said. Regulars at the beach at Ditch Plain, they could usually be found at the same spot with cold Pepsi, salty potato chips, and a New York Times crossword puzzle.
Friends of all ages would stop and visit, and Mr. Fischer was a surrogate father to many, offering guidance and support to those he cared for. His wife died in 2010.
Mr. Fischer was born in Manhattan on Nov. 30, 1937, to Jack Fischer and the former Edith Hart. He grew up in White Plains, where his childhood was spent breaking swimming records at White Plains High School and practicing classical piano, Ms. Rafoss said.
After graduation, he went on to the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. He served in the Army stateside. As a young adult, he stood out in golf and tennis.
In addition to his daughter, Mr. Fischer is survived by a son, Jonathan Meyer of Brooklyn, and a granddaughter, Pia Suzanne Rafoss of Ridgefield. A brother, Douglas Fischer of Palm Beach, Fla., also survives, as does Mr. Fischer’s partner, Marylou Digiorgio of Matthews.
A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the jetty at Ditch Plain Beach in Montauk. Mr. Fischer’s family has suggested memorial contributions to a charity of one’s choice.
