Coach Thomas Christopher Fisher

Thomas Christopher Fisher was born in Salem, Ohio on  March 7, 1952 to the late John Joseph Fisher and Evelyn Tilley Fisher. Thomas graduated from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, in 1974 with a bachelor's degree and went back to his hometown of Salem, OH to teach and coach football. Thomas' dream was to live in sunny Florida, so he moved to Bradenton, Florida when he got the opportunity as an assistant coach at Manatee High School. After a couple years, he got a chance to move to Pasco County at Pasco High School first, then to Zephyrhills High School, where he stepped into the head football coaching position, from which he retired, after 20+ years. Tom was known in the community as "Coach". He mentored and touched so many lives, with a mostly quiet persona. When he spoke, people listened. His friends and family knew him best as loving to have fun. He would challenge any of them to shoot hoops, ride skim boards or an oyster shucking/eating contest. He loved taking his daughters, siblings, nieces and nephews on his pontoon boat to go scalloping, or exploring beaches and backwater areas of Florida. Thomas was preceded in death by: his parents John Joseph Fisher and Evelyn Tilley Fisher; as well as two brothers; John (Buzz) Joseph, Jr. and William (Billy) Fisher. On February 9, 2025 Thomas departed this life surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Gail; three daughters, Amanda (Will) Brant, Kelsey Fisher and Hali (Stephen) Fisher Harris; 6 grandchildren, McKenzi, Mason, Carter, Abigail, Stella and Joshua; siblings, Susan (Lou) Fisher-Pappalardo of Oakland, CA, Joni Fisher Clark of Mt. Ranch, CA,  Jeff Fisher of Salem, OH, Steve (Cathy) Fisher of Venice, FL, Mary Fisher Roberts of Venice, FL and Bob (Nancy) Fisher of Colorado and Jackie Walker of Branchville, NJ. He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews.

Unfortunately, Tom was stricken with a neurological movement disorder known as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).  This horrible affliction “progresses” spanning a 3-8 year process, beginning with balance and walking issues and advances slowly. Ultimately, it leaves the patient unable to walk, stand, move arms and legs, chew food, swallow, cough and speak.  Most patients have full cognitive function, leaving their mind trapped in their bodies.  It is quite cruel. The Tom Fisher Foundation supports other PSP patients with supplies and equipment necessary for daily living that are not covered by insurance. The Tom Fisher Foundation would like to ask that you support his legacy with a donation, in lieu of flowers. Please mail donations to:   Tom Fisher Foundation  P.O. Box 177   Zephyrhills, FL 33539 A Celebration of Life is planned for Friday March 7th at 6:00 p.m. at the Zephyrhills High School Bulldog Stadium, with a presentation on Tom Fisher Field. Anyone that wishes to share a short story of how he touched your life is encouraged to speak that evening.  Please come out to celebrate Coach and to show the world that Zephyrhills is still a great community that supports each other. Let’s fill the stadium!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Coach Thomas Christopher Fisher, please visit our floral store.