Joe Fleming

Joe Fleming, a life-long Wellesley resident passed away after a bout with cancer on February 11, 2014. To paraphrase what was once said about another great man, Joe taught us how to live, how to love, how to laugh, how to cry and finally he taught us how to die. Joe maintained his sense of humor and his dignity, unafraid of death because of the way he lived his life, right up to the moment he closed his eyes for the final time, surrounded by his loving family, at his home on Pine Plain Road. Born Joseph T. Fleming, Jr. on June 27, 1933, Joe was the eldest son of Joseph T. and Alice (Kilmain) Fleming. Joe was predeceased by his brother John in 2000. Joe attended Wellesley Public Schools until his graduation from Wellesley High School in 1951. Upon his graduation from high school Joe enrolled at Boston College from where he graduated in 1955. Joe served in the United States Navy from 1955 | 1957. After his service to his country Joe began a career in the insurance industry. While working, Joe attended law school at night at Suffolk University Law School from where he graduated in 1968. Shortly thereafter, Joe opened a law office in Wellesley where he practiced for forty-five years. In 1963 fate intervened to bring Joe together with the love of his life Maureen Bosteels. Joe and Maureen were married in 1964, from there a love affair ensued that would last for fifty years. Joe and Maureen were devoted to each other each and every day of their marriage. Together they had three wonderful children, Kathleen, Kara (Sullivan) and Joseph III. Joe and Maureen also have five beautiful grandchildren: Caroline, William, Maddie, Erin, and Joe IV. Joe loved his family above all. The times he cherished most were the times he spent in the company of his wife, his children and his grandchildren. Joe taught his children to be honest in word and deed, to be independent thinkers, to be leaders and not followers, and he instilled positive family values in his children by example. Joes children have described him as their rock and their hero. Joe was also a champion of the common man, the needy, and the downtrodden. The charity in Joes heart was endless. As an attorney Joe always made sure that he looked out for and cared for the less fortunate among us. When someone needed legal help Joe made sure they got it. No one ever left Joe Flemings law office because they could not afford legal fees; Joe always found a way to help, because thats who he was. Joes contributions and his commitment to family and community did not go unnoticed by current and former civic leaders. Current state representative Alice Peisch said of Joe, "Joe was a giant of a man in every sense of the word. He was a kind, funny and thoughtful person who was utterly devoted to his family and friends. His death leaves a large hole in the Wellesley community." A funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday February 15, 2014 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Wellesley, Massachusetts followed by internment at St. Marys Cemetery in Needham, Massachusetts. Arrangements were by the Henry J. Burke and Sons Funeral Home, Wellesley Hills. Donations in Joes memory may be made to: Good Shepherd Community Care, 90 Wells Ave., Newton MA 02459 or to the Sisters of Charity Residence, 125 Oakland St., Wellesley, MA 02481