Richard K. Fleming

1943 - 2024

Richard K. Fleming

EASTHAMPTON, MA - Richard K. Fleming, 81, passed away on peacefully on Saturday, June 8, 2024. He is survived by family, his loving and wonderful wife, Diane R. Gonyea-Fleming, his adored cat, Mr. Cooper, and (step) children Lisa DeTomas, (Patrick Barlow) Granby, MA, and Tony DeTomas (Anita Lambert) Hampden, MA. Rich was honored to hold most close to his heart as their loving and devoted Grampa, Andrew Ryan DeTomas, Jacob Alexander DeTomas, and Lauren Susan Barlow. He is also survived by his niece Debra DeCosta (Dana DeCosta) Harwich, MA, and by several nieces and nephews in the greater Boston area. Mr. Fleming was born on January 14, 1943, as the youngest child of William H. Fleming, Sr. and Ethel L. Fleming (Harney). He was predeceased by his parents, and his sisters, Shirley K. Harding of West Harwich, MA, Doris M. Kilmonis of Dunedin, FL, and brother, William H. Fleming, Jr. of Medway, ME. In addition, he misses his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ovila and Myrtle Tremblay and their enduring love and support. Born and raised in Medford, MA he attended school at St. Clements School, West Somerville MA. and Medford Public Schools. As a youth, Rich was very active in sports playing hockey, football, and baseball with equal passion. Following high school, Rich proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnan War Era. He was honorably discharged after 4 plus years of service. He adhered to the belief that espoused "Once a Marine, always a Marine". After his discharge from the Marine Corps, Rich enrolled in the University of Maryland at College Park, MD. and settled in the Washington, DC area. During this period, Rich struggled with addiction and depression. He would like to take this moment to apologize deeply for all disappointments and injury that he may have caused anyone during this dark period. The blessing and miracle of recovery began for Rich when he was introduced to the fellowship of AA, and with grateful assistance from the Veterans Administration, Mass Rehab Commission, and multiple angels of mercy and forgiveness that came into his life. Rich has been able to maintain over 40 plus years of continuous abstinence and sobriety. The countless rewards of this unmerited gift of recovery have heaped huge gifts of grace sent his way. Thanks to the support of a loving wife and family and multiple kindnesses of so many people too numerous to include in this account, Rich was able to begin the rehabilitation process by returning to school at the Veterans Administration sponsored program hosted by Otero Junior College, earning his AAS degree in Alcohol and Drug Counseling. Subsequently, he received his BA in counseling from the School of Education at the University of Massachusetts / Amherst. He received his MSW from the Springfield College Graduate School of Social Work. During this journey, Rich was able to be cultivated and trained by so many wonderful people that contributed to his professional development. His gratitude is enormous for the opportunity to be a source of assistance to so many patients and clients over the years, and honored by the trust of the many lives of which he was allowed to be a small part of their journey. He learned so much from each patient and client about courage, fortitude, perseverance and strength that is required to live a successful and happy life. Sadly, many of our brothers and sisters still suffer daily from the illness of addiction and mental afflictions. Much more work is ahead to properly serve the sick and suffering with this malady. He served his academic internship at the VA Medical Center-Ward 9, of which he was an alum. He was employed at the VA Medical Center, Leeds, MA as a psychiatric nursing assistant. Further counseling experience was garnered at the Quarry Hill Alcohol Treatment Center, Westfield, MA. Rutgers University School of Alcohol Studies, Piscataway, NJ. The Mediplex Group hired Rich to be their Community Service Representative to represent Spofford Hall, Spofford, NH to oversee their local clinic in Ludlow, MA., facilitate interventions, provide community educational presentations, and assist with admissions to treatment for those suffering from addiction and other mental conditions. Further opportunities to serve and learn were provided by Baystate Medical Center Outpatient Psychiatry and Baystate EAP Services in Springfield. Rich completed the circle by returning to his alma mater, Springfield College, to serve as Director of Alcohol and Drug Education at the Campus Health Center in association with the Springfield College Counseling Center. Rich also provided general mental health counseling and educational services as a private practitioner in Longmeadow, MA for many years. In his recreational time, Rich became afflicted with the addiction of golf. He was a member at Hickory Ridge Golf Club, South Amherst for many years, until its closing. In more recent years, Rich is grateful for his time as an active member at the Stan Peczka Seniors Golf League at Westover GC, and for the lasting friendships that have developed through the game of golf.

THE FAMILY WILL RECEIVE FRIENDS AT AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 BRIDGE RD., NORTHAMPTON ON FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2024 FROM 10:30 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M. A SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE WILL BE HELD AT THE FUNERAL HOME AT 12:45 P.M. FOLLOWED BY A FUNERAL PROCESSIONAL DEPARTING AT 1:15 P.M. FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY, 1390 MAIN ST., AGAWAM. CATHOLIC RITES OF COMMITTAL AND UNITED STATES MARINE CORP. MILITARY HONORS WILL BE RENDERED PROMPTLY AT 2:00 P.M. AT THE CHAPEL OF THE MASSACHUSETTS VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY.

Should friends desire donations in Richard's memory may be made to Special Olympics, 512 Forest St., Marlborough, MA. 01752 or Cancer Connection, 41 Locust St., Northampton, MA. 01060