Michael L. Fischler

HOLDERNESS --- Dr. Michael Loren Fischler died from a sudden respiratory illness on May 19, 2025. Michael was the firstborn child of Albert and Dorothy Fischler and brother to Mrs. Lois Payne. He grew up in Newton, Massachusetts, and attended Newton North High School. There, he began learning the art of the guitar with his best childhood friend, Joey Gadino, and also learned the ropes of becoming a lifelong entertainer. After graduating from high school, Michael attended the University of Miami in Florida. It was then that he decided he wanted to become a school teacher and work with kids. His trajectory was greatly influenced by a transformational student-teaching experience he had in a classroom on the day after Dr. Martin Luther King's assassination on April 4, 1968. He wrote a profound article about his experience that got published in the Miami Herald. The University of Miami recognized his extraordinary teaching ability and writing skills and proceeded to award him with a fully paid tuition to graduate school. During this time, he also met the love of his life, Reine Bentolila, who had just moved to the U.S. from France. They were married on August 24, 1968, in Miami. He shared memorable times with family and friends there, like his next rock and roll bestie, Ronnie Maurno.

Michael then began his Doctoral studies in Education at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He was skillfully mentored by his eminent professor, Jim Wales. During his studies Michael accepted a position at (then) Plymouth State College as a professor. Mike and Reine also had their first child, Mark. Their lifelong friendships were quickly established with the likes of the Smith and Hage families, and James Miller. Jim Smith cleverly named Michael “Dr. Showbiz” for his special gift of entertainment through music and talk. Smith also hired Michael to become the first counselor ever at Plymouth State. He then went on to be the founding Director of the Counseling and Human Relations Center for over 41 years. His work as a teacher of teachers and a man of great emotional wisdom as a therapist is where he ultimately made the most profound impact. Michael had a thirst for justice that was solidified through Dr. King, and it was his mission to assist and protect any student suffering in some way. Michael was a persistent guide and heartfelt advocate. He was never afraid of adversity, and he never stopped fighting injustice. There is not a day that goes by where someone in his family doesn't hear from one of Michael’s former students who religiously shares how Michael was the best professor they ever had. Those of you who had him know this truth. His son and daughter (and now his grandchildren) all had teachers who had Michael as their instructor throughout grade school and high school, which also impels his legacy.

He was also an advisor to the Tau Omega Sorority, where great celebrations were had each year before Thanksgiving- Michael always on the guitar, singing his heart out with his favorite sorority girls.

He was the founder and first advisor to the Black Student Union and the Gay Straight Alliance and supported those seeking dignity, equality, and respect on campus and beyond for many years. In 1986, after a scare involving one of his children, Michael made a vow to take care of all the children in our local communities struggling with chronic and terminal illness. He founded and led the charity First Star Tonight, which is still serving those children in need today.

Michael’s greatest joy was mentoring and supporting his children, Mark and Valerie. There wasn’t a practice, game, or art showing that Michael wasn’t the first person there cheering them on with great pride. Mark and Valerie joke that Michael was a Helicopter Parent long before the term was coined. His grandchildren Neve, Aurora, and Niko experienced the same loving attention (minus Michael attending their practices). He was so proud of his daughter Valerie for her depth as an artist, and his pride grew even more when his son Mark, became a professor at PSU, where they got to pass each other walking to their respective classrooms for 13 years.

The blessing of his world was his wife, Reine. They traveled the world together and did very little without the presence of the other. She was his rock and he knew much of his outward success was because of her unconditional love and wisdom.

Michael is predeceased by his parents Albert and Dorothy Fischler along with his in-laws Samuel and Gabriel Bentolila. He is survived by his wife Reine, sister, Lois, children Valerie and Mark, his daughter-in-law Nicole, and his grandchildren Neve, Aurora, and Niko.

We love you forever, Michael. You were such a gift to so many. Thank you for the life lessons.

Arrangements are under the care of Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To sign the online book of memories, please go to mayhewfuneralhomes.com.