David Fleeman

FLEEMAN DAVID, 88, passed away on November 8, 2002, ending a life that personified dignity, charity, a deep sense of justice and an essential belief in the good of mankind. David Fleeman was a gallant gentleman, a man of few words with deep meaning. His grace, generosity, charm and humor embraced all who knew him. He invested his humanity in countless causes locally, nationally and internationally in a variety of roles with enormous commitment. He served as an honorary National Vice President of the American Jewish Committee, President of the local chapter of the American Jewish Committee, President of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, President of Temple Israel and was a chairman of the State of Florida Commission on Ethics, appointed to the commission by then Governor Bob Graham. He was actively involved with the NCCJ, Jewish Home for the Aged, served as President of the Home Builders Association of South Florida and was a member of the Board of WPBT, Channel 2. He was also honored by countless organizations for his leadership and commitment. A Miami Herald article written by Cathy Lynn Grossman once described David Fleeman as her idea of a "truly decent person." David was a pioneer in Miami Beach. He arrived in 1926 with his family from upstate New York. He was in the first graduating class of Ida Fisher High School, serving as class president and quarterback of the high school football team. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1934. In 1941, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a private and was discharged in December 1945 with the rank of major. Upon his return, he rejoined his father, Ben Fleeman in operating Fleeman Builders. Fleeman Builders became one of the largest home builders in Dade County during the late 1950's. He is survived by his adoring family; his two sons, Jeffrey and Gregory Fleeman; his beloved brother and sister-in-law, Jerome and Marjorie Fleeman; his nieces and nephews Julia, John, and Diana Fleeman; and grandnieces Rebecca, Jessica and Grace. He will be greatly missed. Services will be held at Temple Israel of Greater Miami, located at 137 NE 19th Street, at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, November 10, 2002. Contributions may be given to the Ben and Rose Fleeman Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.