Fisher was born to a Jewish family in New York City and raised in Borough Park, Brooklyn.[1] He is a graduate of Townsend Harris High School and attended City College for two years[1] before serving in the Army Air Force during World War II.[2] After the war, he worked as a merchandise packer at $12 a week.[2] In 1960, he opened the first Jamesway stores in Jamestown, New York hence the name Jamesway.[1] Jamesway was a discount retailer which focused on high volumes at low prices. In 1967, he took the company public.[3] He grew the business to 108 stores and 5,000 employees mainly in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.[1] In 1977, he retired from his position as CEO and president but remained as chairman until his death.[1]
He served on the board of governors of the Hackensack Hospital, was national vice president of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and was elected to the Discounting Hall of Fame.[1]