William Edward Fischer

August 14, 1974 – November 14, 2019

William Edward Fischer died peacefully at home in Washington, DC, on November 14th, 2019. Bill, as everyone called him, battled cancer with unwavering courage and fierce determination for almost three years before finally succumbing to the disease. He was closely surrounded by family and friends during his last two weeks and left us with many additional memories to cherish. Bill was 45 years old.

Born on August 14, 1974 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to parents Carl and Helen Fischer (McCormack), Bill grew up in Boca Raton, FL attending St. Joan of Arc for grade school and Pope John Paul for high school. Choosing Villanova University for college, Bill majored in Computer Engineering and captured the admiration of his professors and peers with his exceptional abilities, determination, and ingenuity. The cutting-edge thumb print identification system he designed at the time was one of many accomplishments.

In 1996, Bill started his professional career as a computer programmer and data analyst working for a small consulting firm. Very few people turned down job offers from the Big 4 but Bill did because he saw and seized the opportunity to make twice the money and learn twice as fast with a smaller team. Through the years, Bill continued to impress as an independent technology consultant. The United States Government was the last recipient of Bill’s intelligence and insight, where Bill was led a dynamic group of Security Engineers, Audit, Compliance, and Policy SMEs in orchestrating systems and programs that enable the leading cyber-security solutions for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Bill will be best remembered for three things: His unconditional acts of giving, his deep love and understanding of technology (including cars), and his business vision. As the youngest of twelve children, Bill learned early how to serve, versus be served. He helped his siblings determine the best electrical technology to use when building a house, which cars had the best features, Tesla, first and foremost, and which ones had the best looks, especially his favorite, a vintage Mercedes Benz.

Bill continued to see things that others did not. He recognized the potential in a dilapidated commercial building in Logan Circle, DC, which he redesigned and rehabbed into a prime, mixed-use space for two of his successful businesses and residential quarters. This accomplishment garnered national recognition when the National Trust for Historic Preservation devoted a full spread on Bill in Preservation magazine. Building upon this positive experience, Bill was inspired to take on an even more ambitious restoration project, historic Avon Hall in Washington VA, where he quickly captured the respect and hearts of the local community in Rappahannock County.

A dashing man by any measure, Bill’s infectious smile lit up every room and his fondness for French fries and cosmos (his signature drink) was legendary. He was the greatest cocktail maker at family parties, always wanting to jump behind the bar and serve everyone. Bill led a happy, fulfilling, and inspiring life during his short but concentrated time with us.

Bill is survived by his partner, Drew Mitchell; his mother, Helen Fischer; his three sisters, Kate Stinson (Leo), Mary Fischer, and Maggie Polisano (Lou); his eight brothers, Carl (Vicky), Kevin (Barbara), Jim (Paula), John (Tess), Greg (Kim), Jeff, Tom (Jen) and Matt; as well as numerous Fischer and McCormack cousins, all of whom adored him.

A mass will be held on Thursday, November 21st at 11am at St Joan of Arc in Boca Raton, FL.