Zachary Fisher

Zachary Fisher (September 26, 1910 – June 4, 1999) was an American philanthropist and businessman. Born in the Brooklyn area, Fisher began his involvement with construction in his teen years. He then played a role in the New York real estate community for years while also serving as a major philanthropic benefactor for the men and women in the United States Armed Forces and their families, as well as being involved with numerous other not-for-profit organizations. President Bill Clinton awarded Fisher the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998.

Fisher founded the Fisher House Foundation, which builds "homes of comfort" at or near military and Veterans Administration hospitals. These Fisher Houses provide free temporary lodging to the families of veterans and service members who are receiving medical care. He also founded the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation.

Early life and real estate career Born to a Jewish family in Brooklyn, New York, the son of a bricklayer immigrant from Russia who taught his sons masonry. Fisher began working in construction at the age of 16. In 1915, he and his brothers, Martin and Larry, founded Fisher Brothers, first working as contractors building homes outside Manhattan. which grew into one of the real estate industry's largest residential and commercial developers, owning more than five million square feet of office space.

Philanthropy

Dedication to U.S. Armed Forces From the earliest days of his construction career, Fisher was a strong supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces. Prevented from active service in World War II due to a leg injury, Fisher drew on his building skills to assist the U.S. Coastal Service in the construction of coastal fortifications. His patronage of the Armed Forces became an ongoing concern from that time, evolving to occupy increasing amounts of his energies.

Personal life Fisher was married to former USO dancer Elizabeth Kenowsky (died 2004) for 54 years. He has one stepson, William Crovello.