Robert W. Fizer
July 1, 1931 ~ December 22, 2022
Robert W. Fizer, 91, Retired Pilot, died Thursday, December 22, 2022.Robert left Staten Island at age 18 to join the Air Force. After initial training, his first assignment was as a B29 tail gunner but through the Aviation Cadet program he was able to go to flight training to become a fighter pilot. He flew the F84, F86, and his favorite the F100 Super Sabre. During his career he spent a year in Korea and 16 months in combat in Vietnam where he received a Distinguished Flying Commendation. Major Fizer's peacetime assignments included training other fighter pilots at Luke AFB, Arizona and tours in the Philippines and Libya.Military life was not all work, and Bob had a wonderful story about the time he got to fly in a movie, "The Hunters," starring Robert Mitchum. Unfortunately, Fiz was playing an enemy pilot and ended in a blazing crash.Retirement after twenty years in the Air Force did not end Bob's flying career. He was hired by Cessna early in the development of the Citation program, as a demonstration pilot. He advanced to Manager of Flight Operations for the Citation Division and flew to over 120 countries around the world. In 1983, he and another pilot set a speed record flying a Citation 650 from Gander to Paris for the Paris Air Show.Fiz's retirement from Cessna after 19 years left him to spin flying stories to his wonderful group of friends at the Terradyne Golf Club, where he shot 4 holes in one. Innumerable games of Texas Hold'em added to his joy of life.Bob Fizer gave his wife, Barbara, and children, Sherry (Pat) Laney, Mike (Alice), and Carol an interesting life, living in a variety of places, visiting many countries, and creating wonderful memories despite the hardships of military life. He was blessed later to have 4 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren to enjoy.Memorial Service will be at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.Memorials have been established with: Air Warrior Courage Foundation, P.O. Box 877, Silver Springs, MD 20918; or Passageways (Providing Hope for Our Military Veteran Heroes), 6841 W. Shade Ln. #202, Wichita, KS 67212.Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.
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Bob was one of the great Air Force aviators, who followed up a distinguished military csreer by leading the Cessna Citation worldwide flight demonstration team, and most important, he was a truly good man who was loved and respected by everyone who knew him.
My deepest sympathy to Bob’s family.
Russ Meyer
So sorry to here of Bob’s passing. The Fizers were so good to us after the Quads were born, and we’ve never forgotten that. Ben Budzowski (Becky’s Dad) told us some good stories today. Deepest sympathies for family.
– Randy & Becky Hall.
It’s been hard to think that Fiz is no longer with us. Fiz (as we always called him) was a
family man first with being a pilot running a close second. He hired me at Cessna and I
will always cherish the great times when we flew together. Fiz I will fly your right wing anytime. Barbara, you and the family have my deepest sympathies.
Ben Budzowski
What a wonderful man, an outstanding pilot and an awesome leader. Fiz was the one who started it all in Citation Flight Ops. It’s because of HIM we had a chance to enjoy the best workplace, the best team, and most importantly, the best friends we could ever hope to have!
Barb, our prayers are with you and your family…. You have to know Bob is looking down with a big smile on his face. So proud of his family, and so thankful for all you did to support him. One thing we all know.. He for sure he is LOVING his new set of wings!! 🙏🙏😇
Will and Lin Dirks
Rest Robert, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation. Career U.S. Air Force, 16 months in Vietnam and a DFC recipient. Retired as a Major.
Hard to encapsulate the life and career of one of the finest men I ever met. ‘Mr Fizer’, to me, but ‘The Fize’, hired my Dad, early on, into the Citation Flight Operations program- I was a kid then. Dad always said ‘Fize’, was a good friend, a great person and an amazing pilot – but he was much more… Fizer, like Dad flew the ‘Hun’; they were fighter pilots first, family men second, and in both those worlds, the best of the best. I always felt Fizer was the epitome of class though… My fondest memory? Will always be – his words the night he stood in for my father, and commissioned me into the USAF at USAFA. Nothing like being commissioned by the ‘World’s Classiest Fighter Pilot!’ Fizer taught me to always pick out quality first! I will miss his counsel! I do believe he and Dad are flying once again – a two ship Night Owl mission… look up! The shooting stars you see? Are afterburners! Jonathan Sercel