Carl Edward Fismer, III

Carl Edward Fismer III, affectionately known as "Fizz", passed away on August 21, 2024, at the age of 85 in Riverview, Florida. Born in Hamilton, Ohio, on October 30, 1938, Carl led a life marked by dedication, adventure, and service, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he met.

After Carl graduated from Seven-Mile-High School, he joined  the U.S. Army in 1958 and was a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne division until 1961. The military instilled in him a sense of discipline, courage and patriotism that he carried throughout his life. After his military service, he returned to Hamilton where he worked as a tool and die maker for Fisher Body, and married Donna Sue Spaulding. After Donna's untimely death, Carl moved to Sarasota, FL in 1970. Carl's career took a heroic turn when he joined the Sarasota City Fire Department in 1971, serving as a firefighter and member of the county's first EMT and first paramedic class. Carl was recognized for his bravery and commitment to public safety when he was named Firefighter of the Year in 1974.

After moving in 1980 to the Florida Keys, which he said God created to take his own vacations, Carl embarked on what would become his most thrilling career - becoming a shipwreck diver and treasure finder. His adventures took him around the world, exploring more than 100 ancient shipwrecks and recovering treasures from the sea. He worked on over 100 shipwrecks, including notable sites like the 1733 fleet off the Florida Keys, the 1715 fleet off Fort Pierce, FL, the San Josef off Panama, and the Concepcion off the Dominican Republic. One of his favorite dives was with Sir Arthur C. Clarke off Sri Lanka, India. Carl's passion for maritime history was shared through hundreds of lectures and fundraisers across the country, where he sometimes appeared as "Everyone's Favorite Pirate", captivating audiences with tales of sunken treasures.

Beyond his professional life, Carl was a supporter of the U.S. Constitution and a beloved figure in his community known for his generosity, humor, and ability to see the positive in every situation. He loved all animals: turtles, dogs, raccoons, birds, and he rescued many. He was a treasure to his friends and family, always ready with a joke or a helping hand.

Carl is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Roberta "Scooter" Benscoter Fismer; his children, Lee Alan Fismer and Diana Lynn Kuehl; grandchildren, David Jeremey Nedley, Danielle Lee Kuehl, and Jake Dowling Fismer; his sister, Pamela Corson Spaulding; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Edward Fismer II and Ruth Ann Johns Fismer Corson, and his sister Marilyn Ruth Fismer Stephenson.

Memorial Services will be held at Sun City Center Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 3rd, at 10 am, followed by burial at Sarasota National Cemetery at 2 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Michael Abt Jr. Have A Heart Foundation 1322 US One, Sebastian, FL 32958.

Carl "Fizz" Fismer lived a life full of adventure and service, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and countless stories of the sea. His spirit and tales will continue to inspire those who had the pleasure of knowing him.