Harley John Fisk

Harley was born in Kingston, New York. He was the child of Harley Robert Fisk and Rita Fisk. The oldest of four siblings, he was preceded in death by his brother Robert and by his wife Martha Fisk (neé McDonald). He is survived by his wife Kelly Pierce; his children Gretchen Kessler, Paisley Pierce, and Brandyn Burris and their spouses; his sisters Jayne and Barbara; Jayne's daughter Elizabeth; Robert's children Aaron, Tamara, and Nathan; his stepdaughter Dana Kohlman McDonald and her wife Courtney; his stepson Darren McDonald and his husband Ailton; and his stepdaughter Daneen Vogt and her children.

Harley served in the United States Army as a Green Beret, a medic, and a paratrooper. The majority of his national service was spent training others.

Harley graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in New York in 1974. He had his own restaurant for a time, the Garden of Eatin', in San Antonio. He later established the food services at Sea World San Antonio. From there, he moved to the University of Texas at Austin, where he served as the head of culinary operations.

Harley was a lifelong believer in civic service and cared deeply for his neighbors. He served as a poll worker and election judge, and was a vocal champion of free and fair elections. He was an active member of the Democratic Party of Texas. He was a passionate believer in the arts and supporting local artists and writers. In Victoria, he joined the Innovative Collective, the Victoria Theater Board, the Park Commission, the Economic Development Workforce Commission. He was an advocate at Victoria City Council meetings for the rights of his unhoused neighbors, marginalized communities, the LGBTQIA community, literacy, public access, and simply encouraging people to be kind. He served as Vice President of the Friends of Victoria Public Library, and will be fondly remembered for fostering a lifelong love of learning and communication. He was devoted to the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program and was an integral organizer of library book sales. He could often be found in the library reading to children and helping them learn to read, and he was always looking for opportunities to build and prepare exhibits to inspire excitement in young readers. 

Harley met Kelly on the winter solstice under a full moon and fell deeply in love. They were married April 20th, 2024, in a beautiful private backyard ceremony among their friends and family. They enjoyed being together, cooking together, and traveling together, and devotedly supported one another's passions.

Harley found joy in sailing, fishing, gardening, live music, reading, theater, travel, and sharing these pleasures with his community.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Harley's honor to his most cherished charitable causes: Friends of Victoria Public Library (www.friendsofvpl.com) and the Victoria Area Homeless Coalition (803 Pine Street 361-575-7842).

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

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