Donald "Don" A. Fisher, II

Donald A. Fisher II, 84, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply after a courageous battle with Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

Born on May 16, 1942, to Donald A. Fisher I and Rosalyn Fisher, Don grew up in Mariemont, Ohio, where he excelled in athletics and developed the work ethic, integrity, and determination that would guide him throughout his life. A standout football player at Mariemont High School, he earned multiple All-District honors before continuing his education and football career at Miami University. He played during the legendary Bo Schembechler era at Miami before pursuing a career in the restaurant industry.

Don went on to become a successful restaurateur and entrepreneur, owning and operating Zimmer's Restaurant and Auggie's at the Four Seasons in Cincinnati. He was recognized as Greater Cincinnati Restaurateur of the Year and served as President of the Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Association, helping organize the Taste of Cincinnati. Later, he became Owner and CEO of Trolley Station restaurants in Sarasota, Venice, and Bradenton.

One of the most meaningful chapters of Don's life began when Denise answered an advertisement he placed about a dog. What started as an introduction through a four-legged friend blossomed into a lifetime of love, partnership, family, and countless beloved dogs who always found a home and a place in Don's heart.

While his professional accomplishments were many, Don's true passion was serving his community. He dedicated more than four decades to the Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children and numerous charitable organizations throughout Southwest Florida. As a founding member of the Suncoast Foundation, he helped organize and support community events, including the Suncoast Offshore Boat Races and the Suncoast BBQ & Bluegrass Bash, helping raise more than $1 million to support children and adults with disabilities. Of all the causes he championed, none was closer to his heart than creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

His service extended to Special Olympics, Sertoma, children's hospitals, law enforcement K-9 programs, and numerous community organizations. He was honored as Sertoma Member of the Year multiple times, became a National Lifetime Member, and was recognized by the City of Venice as a Pillar of the Community. Through his leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to others, he touched thousands of lives.

Yet of all his accomplishments, Don's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend. Family vacations became treasured traditions, and his final days were spent surrounded by his daughters, grandchildren, and extended family during one last summer vacation together.

Don was preceded in death by his mother, Rosalyn Fisher; his father, Donald A. Fisher I; and his sister, Susan J. Fisher.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Denise D. Fisher; his daughters, Danielle (Steve) Tanaka, Bethany (Nate) Bozeman, and Angela (David) Polley; his grandchildren, Samantha Tanaka, Anthony Tanaka, Owen Polley, Marina Bozeman, Mason Polley, and Piper Bozeman; his sister-in-law, OraLee Wood and the entire "Wood Pile"; his cousins, Polly Rulon and Sally Townley; and countless friends whose lives were enriched by his example.

Don was not a man who sought recognition. Instead, it was his quiet demeanor, unwavering kindness, and persistent dedication to helping others that inspired so many. He believed deeply in treating people with respect, giving back to his community, and making the world a little better than he found it. His legacy lives on in the organizations he strengthened, the people he served, his grandchildren, and the family he loved beyond measure.

The family finds comfort in knowing that Don is now in Heaven, reunited with loved ones who went before him and the many faithful dogs who shared his life. We can only imagine him catching up with old friends and family, sharing stories, and joining in a bluegrass sing-along, surrounded by those he loved and those who loved him.

Tribute to Don

A tribute celebrating Don's life will be held on Thursday, August 6, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at the Loveland Center Community Center.

The event will be open-house style — stop in for five minutes or stay for three hours. An open microphone for sharing favorite stories, memories, and laughs will begin at 5:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring a favorite printed photograph of Don to add to a community photo board.

Please also join his family in "Dressing Like Don" — whether that's a favorite football shirt, fundraiser shirt, community event shirt, THE Miami University shirt, or simply coming as you are.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to support the recreation facility being built in his honor at the Loveland Center in Venice, Florida, continuing a lifetime commitment to serving others. Support Us - Loveland Center

"The greatest way to honor Don is to love unconditionally, serve your community, and end each day putting your head on your pillow knowing you have done your very best." ❤️