John Fisler, 80, a lifelong resident of Belford, peacefully passed away at home Oct. 9, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. John was born Dec. 7, 1942, at home in Belford, a son of the late Dorothy and John P. Fisler. Coming from a family of commercial fishermen, his father made him promise to choose another career.
John went to work for the U.S. Postal Service and was a letter carrier for the Matawan Post Office for 44 years. He made many friends on his route over the years and they were sad to see him retire when he chose to stay home to care for his wife.
John’s proudest accomplishment was his family. He would boast to any and everyone about his family and being a father to eight children. John loved spending time with his family. They enjoyed camping trips, especially at Knoebels, or watching football games and cheering for his team – the Eagles – or spending time teaching his grandkids how to play baseball. John was always there for support or to lend a helping hand. He was known to be quite the handyman.
John also enjoyed time spent with his friends enjoying a beer or his favorite, a Bloody Mary. John will always be fondly remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.
John was predeceased by his wife Claire Fisler in 2015. He was also predeceased by his son Joshua and his sisters, Joan Zemalkowski and Dorothy “Bubbles” Martin, and his daughter-in-law Dana Fisler.
John is survived by three daughters and their husbands: Lisa and Rob Ploe, Melissa and Andrew Arthur, and Rebecca and Bill Matuza; and four sons: John Jr. and his wife Michelle, Chris and his wife Peggy, Michael Fisler, and Kenny and his wife Ashley. He also leaves behind 17 grandchildren.
Family and friends paid their respects Oct. 11 and 12 at Scott & Kedz Home for Funerals, Belford. Pastor Josh from John’s church, Keyport First Baptist Church, officiated the funeral home service Oct. 12. Burial and committal followed at Fairview Cemetery.
This article originally appeared in the October 26 – November 1, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
