Richard A. Fischer, 78, of Catskill, NY, passed away unexpectedly on March 9, 2026, just days after celebrating his 78th birthday.

Born in Catskill on March 5, 1948, he was the son of the late Aloysius and Mary Agnes Fischer.

Richie met the love of his life, Marlene, and married her on May 18, 1968. Together they built a life and raised their two sons, Scott and Lance, in the very community where both Richie and Marlene were raised.

Over the course of his life, he built a career defined by hard work, skill, and dedication to his craft. He began his working career with General Electric before becoming a proud member of the Boilermakers Union. His passion for engineering and mechanical work led him to become a mechanical engineer and later a founding partner, along with his son Scott, of Precision Flow Technologies in Saugerties, New York. Through this successful business venture, Richie helped create jobs and opportunities for many people in the local community.

Richie had a lifelong love for classic car restoration. He was an avid drag racer who spent many days at the track and proudly held track records in his division throughout the Northeast. In his younger years, he was a member of the local car club, the Red Liners, where he shared his passion for cars with fellow enthusiasts.

In his retirement, Richie could most often be found at the family garage, working on cars alongside his sons, nephew, and friends, including his lifelong childhood friend Robert Carl, who continued to spend time there with him. He was always willing to share his knowledge. Many learned valuable skills while working beside him.

Richie will be remembered for his love of family, his passion for classic cars, and the knowledge and friendship he shared so freely with everyone who walked into his garage.

Richie is survived by his loving wife, Marlene Fischer; his sons, Scott (Kari) Fischer and Lance (Rachel) Fischer; and his grandchildren, Eric Fischer, Cameron Fischer, Kelsey Bennett, and Katie Bennett. He is also survived by a very special nephew, Jimmy (Valerie) Gessner; his sisters, Mary Jane (Tom) Decker and Patricia Gessner; his brother-in-law, Skip Tenenbaum; many nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

Richie was predeceased by his brother, Michael Fischer; his brother-in-law, Jeffrey Tenenbaum; and very dear friend, Mark Sterritt.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Traver & McCurry Funeral Home, 234 Jefferson Heights, Catskill. A funeral service will be conducted at 12 p.m., with burial to follow in Temple Israel Cemetery, Catskill.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Breanna Lennon DelVecchio of Traver & McCurry Funeral Home, Catskill.

Messages of condolence may be made to TraverMc.com.