Joffre’ Robert Fisher Jr. | Eastern NC Now

    Joffre' Robert Fisher, Jr., 80, of Washington, North Carolina, formerly of Raleigh, NC, passed away on January 19th, 2026.

    A memorial service to celebrate Joffre's life will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, February 28th, 2026, at Saint Peter's Episcopal Church located at 101 N. Bonner St., Washington NC 27889, with a reception immediately following in the church reception hall.

    Joffre' was born and raised in Washington, later spending a major part of his adult life in Raleigh after attending NC State University where he began studying engineering. He loved Washington and had a lovingly remembered childhood of family gatherings, water skiing in the river, and fishing with his father. He was an avid musician, playing piano in a Concert Band that performed throughout neighboring communities, and oboe in the award-winning Washington High School Marching Band. One of his proudest accomplishments was being invited with the band to perform at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1961.

    As many young men college bound in the early 60's, Joffre' became fascinated with the space program and intended a career in engineering to pursue a contribution to that field. He became active in campus ROTC and later changed his focus to theology with interest in becoming a chaplain but remained enamored of space exploration and turned his sights on the possibilities presented in science fiction as much as in real life. He was a visionary in his own right and enjoyed sharing the possibilities of what our country and world could accomplish.

    A revered leader with a knack for creating inclusive environments, JR, (as he was often called), was instrumental in establishing the 'The U.S.S. Kitty Hawk', the Raleigh Chapter of Starfleet International as its Captain, growing the crew to a large active group. Though he was calm and soft-spoken he commanded commitment and respect and kept the group moving forward with a multitude of community service projects and membership drives. Through years of service and dedication he was promoted to Commodore and has been posthumously conferred with the rank of Rear Admiral of Starfleet, a designation he would hold in high regard.

    Joffre' was an Honoured 50 Year Member of the Great Northern Railway Historical Society and one of the founding members of the Neuse River Valley Model Train Club of Raleigh. As of his passing, he was one of the last founding members still active within that organization.

    Joffre' was a talented artist, building dioramas and working with miniatures to create realistic scenes and train layouts. He enjoyed attending and participating in model train shows and conferences as well as any related to discoveries in science and science fiction. Always inquisitive and open to new revelations, he continually looked for a better way to accomplish his end goals, never losing his desire to learn and explore what the future might hold.

    Through all his varied interests and hobbies, Joffre' extended grace and kindness to all he met. His empathy and ability to really listen and see the needs of others made him a sought-after confidant and counselor. Joffre had a generous spirit and felt it was his ministry to support his church and community. He was very involved at Saint Peter's Episcopal Church in Washington, where he served as a member of the vestry and as a licensed Eucharistic minister. He loved the history of his town and the church itself, being grounded in his faith and always willing to give to help others.

    He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know him. Joffre' is survived by his life partner, Cheryl DeLuccia, his proclaimed step-daughter Jamie DeLuccia of Washington, NC, cousins: Stuart (Lilly) Dudley of Washington, NC May-I (Joe) Taylor of Washington NC, Lindsay Boone of Smithfield, VA, god children: John (Juliet) Preston of Leesburg, FL and Joan (Harold) Preston Plaut of Yonkers, NY and countless other lifelong friends, cousins by marriage, the Saint Peter's Church community and fellow members of the organizations he held dear.

    He was preceded in death by both parents, Joffre Robert Fisher and Vivian Boone Fisher, and his wife, Greta Jane Alligood Fisher.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Fisher family.