- April 19, 2024
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Updated May 17
John Fischer, who served on the Flagler County School Board from 2010 to 2014, died on the afternoon of May 14, at the age of 76. He was a dynamo of positivity, attending events in his sport coat and tie throughout the district on a daily basis — even after he was no longer on the School Board.
During his tenure on the board, he helped institute the school uniform policy, encouraging students to "Dress for success." He also carefully watched every district dollar spent. Among the many events he attended was a crossing guard appreciation even in 2014 — when it was 50 degrees outside, and raining.
He was a private, devout man of faith.
School Board Chairman Trevor Tucker said in a Flagler Schools tweet: "You couldn't find a bigger cheerleader for our kids, teachers, staff, and administrators in all of Flagler County."
County Commissioner Andy Dance, who served with him on the School Board, called him a "visible leader," in a Facebook post.
Kim Gridley, who was Fischer's campaign manager and became his close friend, kept close to him as his health failed. On her personal Facebook page (published here with her permission), she reported that he had a stroke "as he was attempting to walk and gain his strength back. ... John’s wishes were simple: he was an organ donor; he wanted to be cremated and he wanted a celebratory Mass at Santa Maria Del Mar at a later date when his family could attend."
School Board member Colleen Conklin wrote on her public Facebook page: "John was an incredible public servant and amazing human being. He was present at every student event on the calendar. I use to kid him that he had to have a clone because it seemed he could be in more than one place at a time. ... John recently attended my mother’s funeral. I’m so grateful that he came. We hugged and cried. I asked for his forgiveness because we had become distant. He just hugged me to say don’t be silly. Reminded me that I was a good daughter, that God loved me and I’d see my mom again. He cracked a few jokes and was on his way. I will forever be grateful for my time with him."
Gridley also reported that Fischer had been thinking of a particular community cause right before his death.
"I know this might sound crazy, but just before John was hospitalized, he asked me if I could help him drum up support for Whispering Meadows Ranch. Tonight, as I happened to go on Flagler Live [...] I saw the lead article was about the upcoming County Commission’s vote on shutting this place down. I swear it’s like he was reaching out to me to help him get this done. If anyone could pull off a miracle like this, it’s Fish. So please - if you want to honor John, this is how you can do it. ...
"For now, know that John was completely at peace with God taking him (his words) and we are all better people for having known him."
As of May 17, the County Commission tabled the agenda item, indicating an arrangement was being worked out to keep Whispering Meadows in operation.
Gridley also reported that his brother was with him when Fischer died.
Many more people reacted to Fischer's death on Twitter, including the following:
Community Information Specialist Jason Wheeler tweeted: "Going to miss John popping in my office, always when I needed a pick-me-up the most. We had spirited debates about my Crimson Tide and his Buckeyes (and Irish)."
The Flagler County Education Foundation tweeted: "We are so sad to hear of the passing of Mr. John Fischer. We hardly ever had a school tour that did not include him. He was our biggest advocate, and he will be truly missed."
Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt tweeted: "FlaglerSchools and Flagler County lost a great soul today with the passing of John Fischer."
Flagler Palm Coast High School teacher Tina McNally tweeted: "Mr Fischer was a huge encouragement to faculty, staff and our students every time he stepped on campus. He will be missed."
Flagler Schools psychologist Shoshanah Mercado tweeted: "I have rarely met a kinder soul than Mr. Fischer. He never missed an opportunity to support and celebrate our student and staff. His presence will be so missed."
Others emailed the Palm Coast Observer to share their memories. Old Kings Elementary School teacher Jamie Cordova wrote: "Recently greeted by Mr. Fischer at the beginning of Easter Mass at Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church. Little did I know that it would be the last time that I would have the pleasure of being in his presence that morning. Mr. Fischer visited my classroom many times and always had a smile on his face and positive words of encouragement."
And Darla Aless Proulx write: "He was the kindest person I ever met. I groomed his dog shadow at Petco for the last couple of years and he always helped his friend by bringing her dog, too. ... I normally always have clients make future appointments because we are so busy, but I would always take John’s little Chihuahuas no matter what."
This is a developing story. If you have a memory of Fischer you'd like to share, email [email protected].
