John L. Fleming

John L. Fleming, 94, formerly of Palmer, Massachusetts, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025, after a full and happy life.

Known to most as Jack, he was born on November 15, 1930, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Jean (Trzepacz) Fleming and Edward L. Fleming. He spent his early childhood playing on Walnut Beach along the Connecticut shoreline-a place he remembered fondly throughout his life. In the 8th grade, Jack's family moved to Massachusetts, settling first in Ware and later in West Warren. It was in West Warren that Jack graduated from Warren High School-and met the love of his life, Dolores "Lorrie" E. Gomes.

In 1952, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While on a two week leave that same year, he and Lorrie were married on May 10 at St. Thomas Church in West Warren. After a short separation while Jack returned to service in Maryland, the couple moved together across the country-from Jacksonville to Memphis, eventually settling in San Diego, California for the remainder of Jack's military service. Upon Jack's honorable discharge in 1956, the couple returned home to Massachusetts. Jack enrolled at UMass Amherst and earned a bachelor's degree, commuting to campus while also working and building a home in Palmer. Palmer remained their home until 2012, at which point they relocated to Shrewsbury to live with their daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter, continuing the close family life that always meant the most to him.

Jack's professional career was spent in the commercial timeclock, nurse-call, and fire alarm industry, working for companies such as Standard Electric Time and Edwards, where he retired as a Systems Sales Manager.

Jack's life revolved around his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter, for whom he was a constant, steady presence. He always put his family first-selflessly, without hesitation, and without a single complaint. He was endlessly seeking to lend a hand, no matter how big or small the need. He had a huge heart and never spoke an unkind word about anyone. With his easygoing nature and quiet, gentle warmth, he brought comfort to those around him. He had a quick smile, a wonderful sense of humor, and a knack for making people laugh with his entertaining and endearing self.

He cherished time spent with lifelong friends and neighbors. For many years, Jack and Lorrie enjoyed summer getaways with their close-knit circle of friends, traveling up and down the East and Gulf Coasts to places like Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, Marco Island, Sanibel Island, Nashville, and New Orleans. Later years brought beloved family vacations to Cape Cod and the Maine coast.

A lifelong learner, Jack was a voracious reader and a familiar face at the local library, often reading multiple books at once. He also enjoyed golf, car racing-especially stock car-cheering on the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots and listening to music. The Lawrence Welk Show was a particular favorite. Throughout his life, but particularly after moving in with his daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter, Jack took great pride in maintaining the yard, earning the affectionate nickname "the groundskeeper".

Jack is survived by his beloved daughter, Leslie Kenney, her husband Robert (Bob), and his cherished granddaughter Jacqueline Kenney, of whom he was so immensely proud. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Dolores "Lorrie" Fleming and his two younger brothers, Edward Fleming of West Warren, Massachusetts and Roger Fleming of Lyndhurst, New Jersey.

Per his wishes, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/ or the Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org/