Skip to main content

Morton Fischer

Thu, 01/25/2024 - 09:45

Nov. 30, 1937 - Jan. 15, 2024

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.

Villages

Tariffs Are Sobering News for Liquor Stores

It’s not clear when, or if, President Trump’s European alcohol tariff will ever go live. Nonetheless, the threat is looming over South Fork wine and liquor retailers, who have been forced to react to the uncertainty. 

Mar 27, 2025

East Hampton Star Shines at Better Newspaper Contest

Durell Godfrey, The East Hampton Star’s longtime staff photographer and a fixture at community events from Montauk to Southampton, has once again been named one of New York State’s top photographers. At the New York Press Association’s annual conference last week in Saratoga Springs, The Star’s newsletter also repeated in winning first place in the Best Newsletter category, capping a successful awards season for the paper. 

Mar 27, 2025

A Short Parade That’s Become a Big Success

For the first Am O'Gansett Parade in 2009, the organizers jokingly promised Clydesdales, Macy's balloons, and floats. With good humor and an enthusiastic response from the community, the very short parade has been an annual event ever since.

Mar 20, 2025

 

Your support for The East Hampton Star helps us deliver the news, arts, and community information you need. Whether you are an online subscriber, get the paper in the mail, delivered to your door in Manhattan, or are just passing through, every reader counts. We value you for being part of The Star family.

Your subscription to The Star does more than get you great arts, news, sports, and outdoors stories. It makes everything we do possible.