Honoring the Life and Legacy of
Milton Fishman
Obituary
Milton Fishman, 92, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, formerly of Valley Stream, New York, passed away August 20, 2022. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Harriet, Milt was the adored father of Eileen Fishman, Claire Fishman (Elizabeth Crowder), and Dianne Hensley (Trevor). Devoted grandfather of Rebecca, Gillian, Bryce and Roran.
Anyone who had the pleasure to know MIlt would often hear him say he was “the luckiest guy in the world.” Born in 1929 in Manhattan to Russian immigrant parents, Milt was a proud graduate of Stuyvesant High School. He had a storied career of nearly 50 years in the film industry, which he affectionately referred to as the “motion picture business.” He began his career in the mailroom at Universal Pictures in Manhattan. After a tenure at United Artists, he retired from Columbia Pictures as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Administration.
Not only was Universal Pictures his first job, but it also was the place he was introduced to a young comptometer operator, Harriet Joseph. When they ended up commuting on the same subway to and from Brooklyn, their friendship turned to romance. The couple married in October 1963.
After 36 years as a city boy, Milt moved his growing family to Long Island where he continued his love of sports (as a spectator) and made friendships he cherished forever. Then in 2003, the lifelong New Yorkers, Milt and Harriet, moved to Georgia to be close to their daughters and new granddaughter.
Although Milt’s family will be commemorating his passing privately, they welcome all who wish to celebrate his life to share stories, memories and photos on this platform. While some may wish to send flowers or food at this time, the family kindly asks that you instead please share a kind thought or memory on the website as that will bring them the greatest comfort.
Slideshow
Photo Gallery
90th Birthday Tributes
Please enjoy this compilation of well wishes for Milt celebrating his 90th birthday in 2019.
I’ve taken a few days to think about how I want to remember Milt. He’s been in my life for over 25 years, so there is a lot to remember. I’ve often thought of him as the father I wish I’d had. Every time I saw him, he made me feel special. I would ask, “How are you?” and he would say, “Good, now that you’re here.” What a wonderful way to greet someone to show that you care. I loved listening to his stories about his days working at Columbia. We’ve shared more special occasions and holidays than I can count, and I’m so grateful to have been able to share those important dates with him. He and Harriet raised three incredible women—strong, independent, caring, and loving. It has been my sincere pleasure to have been a part of the Fishman extended family for so many wonderful years, and I will cherish my memories of Milt for the rest of my life. Rest easy, Mr. Fishman. You deserve it. I love you and will miss you so.
Milt, to me was king Salomon to the Fishman’s girls, who taught them how not to back down from an honorable fight but who was equally a guiding light. I am sorry we did not get to have that burger that made you light up, the last time we were in Atlanta…we always think there will always be more time.
I say thank you because I don’t know if there’s anything better I could say to show you my complete appreciation for the love life brought me as Milt, the Fishman father. Eileen became my best friend, my partner in crime, and someone I could never imagine my life without, someone from the day we met, I knew our friendship would stand the test of time.
So, thank you Milt, for the moments, for the memories, and love you have shared with me since I became part of the Fishman extended family. You not only brought someone into this world that became another part of me, but you took me into your family and encouraged our friendship with every milestone. I am sorry I could never fully show you how much that means to me. May you Rest In Peace, side by side with Harriet.
My Mr. Fishman. It’s incredibly difficult to find the words to express how much I love and adore you!!!! I truly know how blessed myself and my brother were to have you in our lives!! A memory that bring a huge smile to my face is walking over to the Fishman home in valley stream in the middle of summer. As I walk thru the front door than the I side door I get the rush of -20 degree air blowing from the air conditioner. I look to my left and say,” hi mr Fishman!” And he responds with that loving smile saying…” don’t you have a home?!?!” Hahahahaha of course I would just laugh as I kept in walking to the kitchen and take notice that they have also made a Gouze ( spelling ) run. As the girls show me what I can’t have because it was me Fishman’s.. he yells from the living room” Jeannie Diglio can have whatever she wants!” Lol lol
Mr Fishman with all my heart I love you and will miss you dearly! There is however some beautiful peace in knowing you are hugging Mrs Fishman once again !❤️❤️❤️
Uncle Milt has always been a big part in the life of the Spellman family. I met him when I was about 10 years old, so I’ve known him almost 60 years now. When he and Aunt Harriet moved around the corner from us in Valley Stream, we spent a lot of time together celebrating birthdays, holidays, communions, confirmations, graduations, etc. And sometimes, we’d meet walking to or from the Gibson train station on our daily commute to the city. Like Uncle Milt, I was (and still am) a big reader, so we’d both be carrying our respective library books, discussing them as we walked. He gave Jim and me his unequivocal support and love during a particularly difficult time in our life….we’ll never forget that.
I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, he was an honorary Spellman, and we have the photo to prove it. During the family photo session following my daughter Elisa’s wedding, he popped right up to join us …doncha just love it. (Although he is uncharacteristically unsmiling in this pic.)
Love you Unc!
Thank you for sharing all these wonderful pictures! What a beautiful tribute to an amazing man. I fondly remember your Dad and mine, grilling in the backyard…. Sharing the same grill! They had a lot of good times together as close neighbors and friends! May your wonderful memories help comfort you all. His legacy lives forever in his beautiful family. ?❤️
What an amazing life Milton had! His tribute lives on in his 3 wonderful daughters ❤️ I know he will be dearly missed and am thinking of Milton’s family during this difficult time. Sending my love ❤️
We are so very sorry for your loss. This is such a special tribute for such a special man. I have such fond memories of him and can’t imagine the pain you are suffering. Cherish the wonderful memories you have shared with him that will live on forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Xoxo
Goodbye is not forever goodbyes are not the end They simply mean we will miss you. I will seeing you, hereing calling my name with great enthusiasm and smiling happy to see me. Milton you were a pleasure to work for until we meet again I’ll miss you.
I am lucky to have spent years practically living with the Fishman’s. I’ve been thinking about all the wonderful memories I have with Mr. Fishman. Woodro’s, the New York Rangers and Sunday football on TV. I will always remember what a kind and funny man Mr. Fishman was. I love looking at the videos that are posted with him and the grandkids. His smile says it all!!
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Miltie lived a long and wonderful life. He was so proud of his beautiful daughters and grandchildren. He was an amazing husband, father and grandfather. Such a kind, generous man and so much fun to be around. I had so many fun times with Milt, Harriet and the Fishman clan. May he rest in Peace. Love to you all. My thoughts are with you during this sad and difficult time.
Don’t cry for me , cause I gone to a better place , try not to cry for me cause I have seen the saviors face . Those are the words of this song that resonates when I remember you Mr Fishman. Having the opportunity to be a part of you and your families lives in the final days was such an humbling experience for me . Watching the love and bond that flows between your kids and grandchildren just speak volumes on how you raised your household with love . You were such a humble and funny gentleman who by your words lived a good life because it is what it is . Thinking back on your stories that you shared brings a smile to my face . As your family and friends mourn your passing I wish to express my deepest condolences to everyone. I know that you are in a better place , Farewell and goodbye Mr Fishman.
So very sorry to hear of Milt’s passing. Wonderful
man and wonderful family. I will always remember going with Dianne to meet up with Milt and Harriet at their favorite lunchtime haunt, Sweeney’s on Sunrise Highway in Lynbrook. The staff had their iced teas poured before they got to their table!
Although I only remember meeting Milt a handful of times, he is impossible to forget. Such a warm, kind, funny, intelligent man. He seemed to enjoy life so much. Uncle Milt and Aunt Harriet were always laughing and fun to be around. A wonderful person.
Uncle Milt was a delightful presence and one of a kind. I always looked forward to hearing the latest in Hollywood gossip you could only get from an insider. Great sense of humor and just a special person. He will be missed but remembered fondly forever. Love to all of his family! May he Rest In Peace…
What a beautiful commemoration, and celebration, of a life as fully lived as Milt’s was. My favorite Fishman family memories will always and forever be the years I was lucky enough to be invited for Christmas, in Valley Stream. Your family’s kindness and grace, opening their door to me and allowing me to share in the love and laughter, still touches me. Eileen, I love your story about meeting your dad after work, at the train, and walking home with him. I got to do that exact same thing with my grandpa. I was so proud to carry his newspaper under my arm, and he would just beam, watching me. It’s memories such as these that sustain us, and that help us through our grief. Claire, I really related to your story of your father being home for dinner, being present in an age when men were not always present in that way. My parents, sister and I also had dinner “as a family,” every evening. Ei, Claire, Elizabeth, Di, Trevor, Becca, Gilli, Bryce and Roran – you are so blessed to be surrounded by love, caring, and acceptance, for all these years. I know he and your mom are holding hands, smiling and looking down at the strong women they raised, and at the love that you will all continue to nurture and share. I love you all. -Lori
Condolences to the family during this time.
May he Rest In Peace along side his beautiful wife. I never met Milt Fishman but heard some wonderful stories from his daughter Eileen. Sending hugs during this difficult time. May his memories bring you some solace.
Scott and I just wanted to say how sorry we are for your loss. I never got to meet your dad, but watching these wonderful videos and knowing Eileen, Rebecca and Gillian the way I do, I can see how much of an influence he was on all of you and that you all got some of the things we love most about you from him. Your kindness, gratefulness and caring so much for others were clearly instilled in you by a special man. We’re thinking of you all and sending our love.
I am going to miss our telephone conversations. I always looked forward to talking to him. He was such a wonderful person and a great friend. What a nice tribute to him. I loved him so much. Thanks for the great memories I will have forever!
What a beautiful memorial for a wonderful man
We send our Deepest sympathy
Many memories over the 75 years I’ve known Milt growing up on the sidewalks of New York .We were so happy to view the wonderful slide show depicting the great family times. You girls gave your dad so much happiness along with the many grandchildren that came along. Milt we love you and you will be missed.