Alvin Joseph Fischer Jr.

Universally known as Al, he was born December 23, 1935 in New Orleans, the son of Alvin Joseph Fischer Sr., and Myrtle Ingersoll Fischer. He was a graduate of Holy Cross High School. He began an apprenticeship at age 15 in the printing industry, where he worked until his retirement at the age 72.

A member of the Lithographers and Photoengravers International Union, Al was a shop steward and union activist who worked to ensure the fair treatment of workers. He was employed for many years at Hauser Printing, Inc. where he was well-respected for his knowledge of the industry. He mentored many a young apprentice and served briefly in management.

Al was a quintessential New Orleanian. It was as if the culture of his home city was part of his DNA. He loved the food of southern Louisiana and was an accomplished cook, known for his steaming pots of Gumbo. He was a devoted fan of football, particularly his beloved Saints and the Louisiana State University Tigers. He also served in the U.S. Army National Guard.

Steeped in the history of the region, Al had a wide knowledge and grand curiosity about his state and nation. He was a grand companion at local museums and loved the D-Day Museum. Whenever he traveled, he always wanted to become immersed in the culture –whether architecture in Chicago or the maritime annals of New England.

A strapping six-footer, Al had a deep love of jazz. He enjoyed talking politics and until his illness progressed always kept abreast of current events.

But his deepest focus and love in life was for his family. He met Whewellene Williamson at a bus stop on Broadway Street in the late 1950s. They married on November 5, 1960. The couple lived in New Orleans East and moved later to Mandeville, where they spent their retirement. They had two children, Randall Alvin Fischer and Staci Ann Fischer.

Al was a patient and loving grandfather to his four grandchildren. Known as “Gramps,” he reveled in his grandchildren’s company and cheered their successes. He loved taking his grandchildren to the Audubon Zoo and aquarium, reading newspaper comics with them, taking them to movies and cooking with them.

His grandchildren, Bethany Helbach of Orlando, Florida, Brooke Fischer of Kenner, Louisiana, Miles Fischer and Haleigh Fischer, both of Mandeville, all appreciated and loved his company. He was as at home watching cartoons with them when they were young as he was taking them on trips when they got older.

Al was a sincere Christian who was a member of New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Mandeville. When he and his family lived in New Orleans East, he and his family worshipped at Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

He was devoted to his dog, a Basset hound named Gumbo.

Al is survived by his wife, his son Randall of Mandeville; his daughter Dr. Staci Fischer of Bristol, Rhode and her husband, Scott MacKay. He is also survived by his four grandchildren.

A family graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday June 21 at Mandeville Cemetery.