Billerica, MA – It is with great sadness that JOH mourns the passing of Tom Fisher, former COO and 31-year veteran of our company. Tom passed away from complications of pneumonia on March 1 in Estero, Florida, surrounded by his beloved wife Maria and members of his family. Tom was 78 and living in Florida where he was enjoying retirement.
Tom was born and raised in Littleton, New Hampshire where he graduated from Littleton High School. He worked at the local First National Supermarket while in high school and joined the company full-time upon his graduation in 1959. He was an associate for nearly 20 years, rising to the level of buyer of non foods in the Somerville office. He moved to the sell side of the desk when he joined the Asquith Company as an account executive and salesman in 1974. He joined Harry O’Hare and the Johnson O’Hare Company in 1977 where he remained until he retired in 2007.
Tom married Maria on November 30, 1963 and had four children: Tommy, Jeff, Lisa and Jennifer Dias (who is also a long-term associate of JOH). He leaves his wife of 56 years, Maria, four children and several grandchildren.
During his career at JOH, Tom was one of the most significant contributors to the survival and growth of the company. He began as the Director of Non Foods and rose quickly to become the COO upon the retirement of Al Saporito in 1988. Tom managed field sales and account executives for 20 years, during which time the company grew and expanded throughout the northeast. He was hard working and no-nonsense in his management style. All employees knew where they stood with Tom at all times! He shunned the limelight but was a tremendous support to Chip and Harry O’Hare over the years. Tom was a dedicated and loyal member of the JOH family. He was inducted into the JOH Hall of Fame in 2013.
It was Tom’s wish to have no funeral services. In lieu of flowers, please send a contribution to JOH’s charity, Kids 360, 1 Progress Road, Billerica, MA in Tom’s name. We will then aggregate the contributions and send to a children’s charity of Maria’s choosing.
May Tom rest in peace. We send our deepest sympathy to Maria, Jen and the entire Fisher family.
About JOH
JOH was founded in 1956 by Harry O’Hare, Sr. and is one of the strongest brokers in the country with 17
offices and strategic partnerships across the United States. JOH currently has over 500 employees and
represents clients across all categories. For more information, please visit www.johare.com.com.
