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FREDERICK FLEMING Obituary
FLEMING FREDERICK H. FLEMING Frederick H. Fleming passed peacefully on Friday, April 3, 2015 with his loving family by his side after a courageous battle with heart disease. Born 1951 in Wisconsin to Robert H. Fleming and Jean E. Fleming he called Washington, DC home from 1958-2007. Throughout his life, Fred was a passionate social activist. Most recently, he worked to expand low-income communities' access to technology with the George Washington University PTEC project. Before that, he was the director of the Bethesda Free Clinic and also assisted with efforts to provide injured Palestinian children with prosthetic limbs through his work with ANERA. In 1992, as the two-term ANC Commissioner of his neighbor-hood, he made major contributions to the campaign to prevent the construction of a power plant on the Georgetown University campus. In 1995, he organized the regional effort to keep the National Capital Poison Control Center in operation. At age nineteen, Fred was drafted and served as a military policeman in Vietnam; an experience which only strengthened his commitment to peace and nonviolence. In 1986, he married the lovely Maggie Meenehan, a dancer and teacher at the Fillmore Arts Center. They raised two daughters, Mira and Eleanor Fleming, whom he endowed with a love of nature and a keen sense of justice. The family's best memories are of times spent in nature; hiking along the Potomac, tubing in the Shenandoah with friends, driving the California Coast in a Westphalia, exploring the rain forests of the Olympic Peninsula and walking the peaceful trail of the C&O canal. Fred was a gifted artist and a superb storyteller, as his friends and family will attest. His loved ones for years to come will cherish his deft watercolor landscapes and his many engaging tales. A natural extrovert, Fred made friends everywhere he went. Fred was larger than life: exceptionally generous with a big heart, an encyclopedic memory and a quick wit. He will be deeply missed. In addition to his wife and daughters, he is survived by his brother Robert H. Fleming, and numerous friends who have become family. A celebration of his life will be held at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church in Bethesda, MD, Sunday, April 26 at 3 p.m.two-term ANC Commissioner of his neighbor-hood, he made major contributions to the campaign to prevent the construction of a power plant on the Georgetown University campus. In 1995, he organized the regional effort to keep the National Capital Poison Control Center in operation. At age nineteen, Fred was drafted and served as a military policeman in Vietnam; an experience which only strengthened his commitment to peace and nonviolence. In 1986, he married the lovely Maggie Meenehan, a dancer and teacher at the Fillmore Arts Center. They raised two daughters, Mira and Eleanor Fleming, whom he endowed with a love of nature and a keen sense of justice. The family's best memories are of times spent in nature; hiking along the Potomac, tubing in the Shenandoah with friends, driving the California Coast in a Westphalia, exploring the rain forests of the Olympic Peninsula and walking the peaceful trail of the C&O canal. Fred was a gifted artist and a superb storyteller, as his friends and family will attest. His loved ones for years to come will cherish his deft watercolor landscapes and his many engaging tales. A natural extrovert, Fred made friends everywhere he went. Fred was larger than life: exceptionally generous with a big heart, an encyclopedic memory and a quick wit. He will be deeply missed. In addition to his wife and daughters, he is survived by his brother Robert H. Fleming, and numerous friends who have become family. A celebration of his life will be held at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church in Bethesda, MD, Sunday, April 26 at 3 p.m.
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Memories and Condolences
for FREDERICK FLEMING
Paula Bortz
April 6, 2025
Your spirit shines on in my heart.
Paula Bortz
April 7, 2024
Still holding you close in heart Fred, and still missing you. Hope you´re meeting loads and loads of new souls
Till we meet again, love Paula
April 6, 2019
Still missing you Fred
Tracy Mitchell
May 11, 2015
Dearest Maggie, Mira and Eleanor,
I was so saddened to hear of Fred's death. I was a part of the coterie of friends that buzzed about Chris & Rhonda and fondly remember our camping/canoeing/bbq outings with you all. Ah, those were the days! Fred was an exceptional man who clearly loved you so much and was so proud to be your partner & Dad. I am so, so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Paula Bortz
April 28, 2015
Hi Maggie, Ellie, and Mira,
Chris sent Barbara and I a couple of group photos from Fred's Celebration, I'm calling them the "Forever Friends" photos. So wish we could have been there, we're still holding you close. I'm posting here what I would like to have shared:
Thank You Note To Fred
Dear Fred,
Barbara and I wish we could be there in person to say goodbye and thank you for your friendship.
Thank you for making each trip we took to DC unique and exciting. You always took us someplace interesting, places we never would have known about, like the little out of the way rug and antique weapons shop in Georgetown where you talked to the shopkeeper about weapons you had seen in Vietnam, and the Hirschhorn galleries where you bought each of us a souvenir postcard. One said, "Belief + Doubt = Sanity" and the other said, "Don't Be A Jerk." Those phrases became mantras for me. And thank you for the echo tower at the National Presbyterian Church just as the sun was setting. We stood inside the tower and made sounds (I think you said to quack like a duck) that rang in the tower high above our heads. It sounded like the whole flock was flying around in there. As we drove around DC with Maggie and Carly you pointed out obscure historical landmarks and related fascinating factoidsthe best ever tour guide.
Each time we saw you, you gave us a little something of yourselfheart-gifts. I looked forward to those gifts. One time you handed me some kind of curvy pea pod 6 inches long with green velvet skinI still have it tucked away in my Grandma's jewelry box. You gave shoulder massages and chiropractic adjustments when Barbara's back was out on one Thanksgiving visit, and you created yummy potluck dish offerings for Chris and Rhonda's barbecues, bean salads and other delectables.
And thank you Fred for always keeping me on my toes when we talkedI had to focus really hard because your incredibly amazing brain was so full of all things, you knew so much about so much (much of which went over my head I must admit, as I tried to keep up)I learned a lot from you.
When we talked on the phone after your surgery I told you I was going to visit relatives in PA and you told me a story about your Mom visiting Fallingwater, the home that architect Frank Lloyd Wright built for Pittsburgh department store owner Edgar Kaufmann. You said your Mom was in a dazed state when she got back from visiting Fallingwater, so much so that you asked her what was wrong. She said she had just visited the most amazingly beautiful home, one that she wanted to live in. I went there upon your recommendation with Barbara's Mom Christiane, and Cheryl, and I agree with your Mom, it was a sanctuary where I too wanted to live. My trip there was a special one, which never would have happened had you not passed on that informational gem.
I remember saying to you during some conversation we had, "I can be kind of corny sometimes." You said, "Yeah, but that's what we love about you." Ahhhh Fred, your gifts to us are unique and many. And that's what we love about you. We miss you very much. The thought of leaving this planet at some point is now much more palatable, knowing you will be our tour guide.
With love always, your forever friends,
Paula and Barbara
Wendy Schaetzel Lesko
April 26, 2015
What a feisty, beautiful, spirited celebration. Ann would have laughed and cried with us. Matthew and I adored this afternoon and so are enriched. Always, Wendy
April 26, 2015
Maggie, Mira, and Ellie,
we're thinking of you constantly. We want to honor Fred, but help you all in whatever way we can. Lots of love,
Mark, Linda, Eric, Ben and Katie
April 26, 2015
Hi guys. Its Katie.
April 26, 2015
Mark Mowrey
April 26, 2015
Maggie, Ellie, Mira: Hugs to you all. Fred was a true neighbor. Our end of Regnid won't be the same. With love, janice
Michael Meenehan
April 25, 2015
Aunt Maggie, Mira and Ellie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Fred was an incredible soul and had a wealth of love and wisdom to pass on. Everyone can attest to the enjoyment he gained from engaging with his stories. I'll never forget when he pulled me aside one time in the OBX and kept me riveted with Vietnam anecdotes for hours - if I recall correctly, Aunt Maggie checked-in on us multiple times to tell him to wrap it up. I think we will all be telling and retelling his stories for years to come. Uncle Fred also loved his family and friends deeply. In one of my last conversations with him he told me he loved nothing more than to hear his wife and daughters' laugh. Just one small testament to his abundant love. We'll all miss him sorely. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys, I love you so much!
lynne iadarola
April 24, 2015
Maggie, Mira and Ellie,
your man, your dad, really was a wonderful guy -
and his love for each of you, i believe, will always exist.
It is so wonderful to read how many lives he touched so positively, how many other people also enjoyed his stories, and his terrific intelligence -
I hope that in taking care of each other, you remember to feel his love, and feel the happiness he wanted for you,
lynne
Ann Schaetzel
April 24, 2015
We are so sad to hear of Fred's death. His mother Jean and our mother Imogen became devoted friends and co-conspirators at Ingleside. After Jean died, Fred continued to be a most attentive, devoted friend to our mother, visiting her often, taking her to lunch, clearly appreciating her. Really remarkable and loving. Thank you, Fred!
Diane Lubkeman
April 24, 2015
Dear Maggie, Mira, and Eli,
I am beginning to realize how much and in how many ways Charlie, Michael,Mary Margaret, and I are going to miss our Uncle Fred. He was the one who brought the most interesting point of view, the other way of looking at an issue, to the dinner table. He always challenged our complacency, but he did it with a gentle sense of humor and never with acerbity or animosity. Fred understood and quietly fulfilled the most fundamentally important mission that each of us is given in this life. He loved his family, his wife and his children, with steadfast devotion and unflagging loyalty his whole life.
When we celebrate his life Sunday, I will remember how Fred always brought to our family events an unusual little gift or a book to ponder or a controversial idea to discuss. Several years ago he gave me for Christmas a little LED flashlight that doubles as a night light. I keep it plugged into the wall outlet near the foot of my stairwell. It still shines brightly and keeps me from slipping on the stairs late at night. It's a good reminder of the light he brought into my life and of the light we can bring to each other.
We love you all and we pray for you and we remember Uncle Fred with our love and prayers.
Diane
Mary Margaret Meenehan
April 23, 2015
Thank you for everything. I hope you are enjoying the view from way up there! You will be sorely missed.
Mary Margaret Meenehan
April 23, 2015
Dear Aunt Maggie Elly and Mira,
I can't imagine the magnitude of your loss, Uncle Fred was a bright individual who was a fountain of information and intellectual thought. To me he was a funny man who always wanted to engage everyone, even my introverted self. He showed me that crunchy peanut butter surpasses smooth peanut butter by eons. You are all in my thoughts and my prayers, and also in the prayers of the Mount Holyoke community. If you ever need to talk or want to visit you are all more than welcome. I love you guys!
Charlie Meenehan
April 22, 2015
Dear Maggie, Mira and Ellie. First I'd like to offer my condolences for your loss. Thank God, Fred is no longer suffering and is now re-united with his loved-ones in Heaven which, I'm sure is his new home. I had known Fred from the "early days" with Maggie and always found him entertaining, quick with a story (sometimes...pretty long-winded...but always had a great ending!) and a smile. Even when I could tell he was feeling low, he always put his best foot forward to me. He was interested in most everything and had something interesting and entertaining to contribute to the conversation. But, to me, what was most important was his unconditional love for the three of you. Over all of these years, he was always "there" with you for every family occasion and never hesitated to show his love and devotion to the three of you. He was kind, intelligent, engaging, entertaining and again, his love for you three... was palpable. He had a heart of gold and I will miss him. If there is anything I can do, PLEASE do not hesitate to call, text, email me anytime. We all have a long journey ahead, in many respects, but we can take comfort that he is waiting for us at the Heavenly Banquet and has saved us a place at the table. I love all of you and will continue to pray for Fred and you. All my love... Brother/Uncle Charlie.
Debbie Leichtling
April 19, 2015
Maggie Eleanor Mira...I can't tell you how much Fred mean't to me...Such a passionate person...a caring and magical person...as Maggie knows I have known Fred through most of my life and my heart is broken...although I know he was miserable this last year I am happy for his release from pain and I'm sure he is giving the angels a run for it from now on...Maggie I am so very proud of you for giving your heart to this man who could sometimes be difficult...but who loved you beyond words...He is part of both my and Donald's heart forever We are here for you Maggie and Eleanor and Mira with love ....Sweet wonderful dreams my friend....Donald and Debbie Leichtling
Bo Genner
April 19, 2015
Fred was truly one of a kind. I always thought the things that animated him (in addition to his family, of course) were pretty cool. To the extent his world view gets sprinkled across the globe, the better off we'll all be. Guess that's up to those who knew him and who remain. My thoughts are with you, Maggie, Mira and Eleanor.
Wendy Lesko
April 19, 2015
Dearest Maggie, Mira and Ellie!
You have captured Fred's catalytic combustion and passion for peace and justice. Fred showered me as well as Immie with tons of love and spark that remains as vivid as ever.
With tremendous appreciation and gratitude to the entire family, Wendy
April 19, 2015
My heart goes out to you Maggie,Mira and Eleanor. I remember the time that Fred made a castle for you out of cardboard boxes. Let that be a metaphor for his life. He left us in a better place.
Much love.
Michelle DeLeo (Washington,DC)
Tiik Pollet
April 16, 2015
My deepest condolences to Maggie and family. I knew Fred for years when I managed Food For Thought Restaurant in Wash. DC. Fred came in regularly, entertaining us all with his friendly quick wit and smile for everyone. Topping Fred with a pun was difficult and nearly impossible. We re-connected through my work at Fillmore Arts Center and he had not changed a bit. Always a smile and expression of humor. When I think of Fred I always see that grin. I will look through old FFT pic's and see if I can find one with Fred. R.I.P. Fred. You uplifted many.
a long time ago...
Karl Hermansen
April 14, 2015
Dear Maggie, and daughters that I barely knew - Fred got me through a lot of tough times, and I did for him what he did for me; listened, loved, laughed. We went to high school and marched around in our Jr. ROTC cadet uniforms. We spent many a sleepless night together after Vietnam. I got a high lottery number and didn't have to go. Fred's number was 4. I'll never forget that number. We stormed the streets of DC on our BMW motorcycles, and drank way too much beer. I met Maggie when Fred lived on Tunlaw Road, and I watched you two fall in love, and Maggie took over as chief caretaker of the 'Great One' - (apologies to Jackie Gleason). Fred never let me get away with any bull hockey. I let him get away with everything. God, rest his soul. A huge man is in your hands.
Becky Trupp
April 13, 2015
With my deepest condolences. Fred was quite a guy, he will be missed. Hugs to you all.
Cherie & Pat Nichols
April 13, 2015
Maggie and girls - I'm so so sorry. Your husband/father was truly larger than life. I, among many others I'm sure, met him on the playground at Fillmore as he regaled me with a story.
Jennifer Toplitz
April 12, 2015
I went to Woodrow Wilson with Fred, he was a wonderful guy, when he was drafted I lost track of him. I'm glad he made it home. I did try to locate him a couple of times over the years, with no luck. Fred, wherever you are now in Time & Space, Rest Easy.
Carol Giffen
April 12, 2015
I want to convey my deepest condolences to Maggie, his daughters and all of Fred's family and friends. Although we haven't seen each other in many years, he was my mentor in my mid-teens onward. He was wise (except when he was silly), he was indeed a great story-teller (never quite knew where the absolute truth ended but it didn't matter, the story was the thing!), he was brave, curious about everything in the world, passionate in his beliefs and just a delight to be around. He lit up every darkness and drew people towards him. He introduced me to one of my favorite writers (TANSTAFL!). I remember how terrified I was when he was drafted, how thrilled I was that he came back and how sorry I was that it had affected him so deeply. Although we didn't see each other often - when we did it was usually by random chance - the randomness somehow made those times even more special. Frankly, for an instant I was delighted to see his picture in the paper today - another random encounter! - and then I remembered what page I was on. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know him - he was very special.
Dianne Rhodes
April 12, 2015
Thinking of you
April 12, 2015
Dear Fred, your brilliant spirit lives on, and I already miss you so much. I tried to get in touch but now I know how little I understood about your life at those times. I send Maggie and the girls my condolences and blessings. I have so many stories to share but will wait to gather them. We go way, way back, my brother, and I love you.
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