Zachary’s Story

Zachary Fisher: Builder, Philanthropist, Patriot

Zachary Fisher was born on September 26, 1910, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of a bricklayer. From a young age, he developed a strong work ethic and an appreciation for craftsmanship, which led him to the construction industry. At the age of 16, Fisher began working in construction, and by 1915, he and his brothers founded Fisher Brothers, a company that would grow into one of New York City’s largest developers of residential and commercial real estate.

Despite his success in the real estate world, Fisher’s life would ultimately be defined by his unwavering commitment to supporting U.S. military personnel and their families.

A Lifelong Dedication to Military Service

Although Fisher was unable to serve in World War II due to a prior leg injury, his dedication to the military began early in his career. He contributed to the construction of coastal defenses for the U.S. Coastal Service during the war, using his skills to support the country’s defense efforts. Fisher’s involvement with the military continued to evolve over the years, with his philanthropic efforts becoming an increasingly important focus of his life.

Founding the Fisher House Foundation

In 1990, Fisher, along with his wife Elizabeth, established the Fisher House Foundation, a move that would leave a lasting impact on military families. The inspiration came when Pauline Trost, the wife of Admiral Carlisle Trost, highlighted the need for temporary lodging for families of military personnel undergoing medical treatment. Fisher, recognizing the profound difficulty that families faced in staying close to loved ones during long periods of care, set out to build a network of homes that would provide a sense of comfort and stability.

The first Fisher House opened in 1991 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Since then, the foundation has expanded, and over 99 Fisher Houses now operate at military bases and VA medical centers across the U.S., as well as in Germany and the United Kingdom. These Fisher Houses have provided more than 12 million days of lodging to over 500,000 families, saving them $610 million in hotel costs and ensuring they have a supportive place to stay during their loved ones’ medical treatments.

Though Zachary passed away in 1999, his legacy continues through the Fisher House Foundation. Today, the foundation remains one of the most impactful organizations serving military families, offering a sense of home, support, and compassion during some of life’s most challenging moments.

In December 1999, just months before his death on June 4, 1999, President Clinton signed Public Law 106-161, conferring upon Zachary Fisher the status of honorary veteran in the U.S. Armed Forces in recognition of his unwavering commitment to military families.

Three words, etched in the marble of Zachary Fisher’s tomb, speak to his legacy:
Builder… Philanthropist… Patriot.