Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1940
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Fleming Obituary
Leicester - Michael Fleming, age 80, of Leicester, died Monday, January 25,2021 at UMass Memorial Medical Center from cardiac arrest.
Michael was born in Worcester, June 24, 1940 and attended St. Peter Marian High School and received his Master's Degree in History from Assumption University. For thirty-seven years he taught at Hopkinton High school, retiring in 2004. During his teaching years, he conducted annual educational tours for the high school students, visiting the capital cities of England and Europe. Throughout his teaching years he also ran his landscaping company and decorated the church of Our Lady of the Angels for the Christmas and Easter holydays where he was a life-long congregant.
Michael was the third son of the late Lawrence and Myrtle Fleming. He leaves a daughter, Jennifer Fleming, her husband Mitja and a grandson, Liam. He is also survived by three brothers, Lawrence of Shrewsbury, Richard and wife Anna of Auburn and Timothy of Shrewsbury, as well as nephews, nieces, grand-nieces and nephews and great-grand nephews. He was pre-deceased by his sister-in-law, Barbara M. Fleming and two nephews, Joseph W. Fleming of Auburn and Jonathan D. Fleming of Worcester.
Services were held at Our Lady of the Angels Church in Worcester. He was buried in Riverside Cemetery, Grafton. Arrangements are in the care of Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester. Donations in Michael's memory may be made to Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main St. Worcester, MA 01603.
ricefuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Fleming
Sponsored by Rice Funeral Home - Worcester.
Kris Allan Johnson
December 14, 2022
It pained me to learn of Micheal's passing only last night, the depths of that grief made more profound as I read the beginning of this obituary and realized how many of the important things in his life I was included in. I was a student, an employee, a tour group member and, on at least one occasion, even helped him to decorate Our Lady of the Angels. His passion for teaching World War II introduced me to Judaism. He saturated me with exposure to art. As an employer he gave me a role with leadership and responsibility that exceeded what I could achieve from more organized after school activities. His sense of humor is indelibly imprinted upon me as is his passion for all that is beautiful, mysterious and profound. My memory overflows with good times, good feelings and good conversation, not to mention hard work and laughs. I picture him with his camera, his college ring, his jacket and tie, his dirty jeans and white tee shirt. He was a grown up who never lost his connection with the boy within him, which is perhaps what made him such a great friend for a teenager, and of all of the roles that he filled in my life, that was the most important to me; Michael Fleming was my friend and I will be his friend for the rest of eternity. It breaks my heart to have lost him so quietly. I hope that he knows how fondly I speak and have spoken of him, and have done so often, because he was such a special person for whom I will always maintain an undying affection. Micheal belongs in Heaven from where he was only ever a temporary loan. Bless you, Mike.
Sueann Morowski
January 23, 2022
I think of Mike everyday. Hard to believe it has been a year
Alyssa Gamble
February 3, 2021
I feel so fortunate to have had such an influential high school teacher. Decades later, I can say he made a lasting and meaningful impression on my life. In his "War Years" course, he asked us to interview a Veteran. I interviewed my grandfather, who was a WWI POW, but he had never talked much about his experience as a soldier. He told me the most valuable stories, treasures for our family, and for the remainder of his life he chose again and again to discuss these things with me. I owe Mr. Fleming´s assignment for this special relationship with my hero. Also, Mr Fleming´s teaching opened up my world to museums and fine art. I´m so grateful. I´m so sorry he´s gone, and for all the students who will never learn from such a great teacher.
Debra Gates Brule
January 31, 2021
I am sorry to learn of his passing. As a member of the HHS Class of 1971, I had him for history class and, he made me love it! He was a great teacher and listener. May light perpetual shine upon him.
Shelby Holt (Casassa)
January 31, 2021
Mr. Fleming was one of my favorite high school teachers. He ran the student council when I was at HHS. He made me feel like part of a community and that my voice and ideas mattered. We would have student council meetings around 6.30 am and I would never be late, because he always brought us the best bagels from Worcester, was so funny and made everyone feel like a million bucks. Not always an easy job with high schoolers or so early in the morning, but he did. May he Rest In Peace. Love and sympathy to your family.
Shelby Holt
Sharon Jones
January 31, 2021
To his family: Mr. Fleming was my favorite teacher in high school. I can credit him for my love of art and history. I have to recall the first and only time I was able to view in person "The Girl with the Pearl Earring" and I could see him right beside me. He is the sole reason I went to that show. I have traveled all over the world because he opened my eyes to it and taught me how to respect and revere other people for who they are. I still have a love of documentary film and reading history because of him. I am so saddened to hear of his passing and so wish I could have said these things directly to him. But I hope you know what an impact he had on me and my life. Thank you for sharing him for the time I was able to know him.
Bob Linden
January 31, 2021
So sorry to hear of Mike´s passing and my condolences to his family. I was just thinking of him this past week, thinking of our upcoming 50th HHS classes of `71-`72 reunion. Like many, I enjoyed Mike´s history classes and his first hand stories of travel to Europe. Even so, it was the multiple years of working on his landscape crew, with a good number of other HHS classmates, that built the relationship. Mike paid and treated us well, taught us about work ethic and had many tales to share about travel. In my case, he inspired me to overseas travel in my HS years, which prepared me for a career path demanding such. Will be tipping a Lowenbrau to you Mike!
Russ L.
January 31, 2021
As a former student of Mr. Fleming at HHS and a former employee of his at Fleming Landscape, I have many great memories of time spent learning European history from him in the classroom and then hopping in the truck to landscape Clark University and properties all over Leicester, Worcester, and elsewhere after school let out. He was one of my favorite teachers, with a larger-than-life personality and a gift for helping us high school kids truly appreciate art and history. He will be missed, and remembered by all of us who had the good fortune to have him in our lives during those formative years. End of an era. Cheers to you, Mr. Fleming, and thank you.
Roseann Bond
January 31, 2021
As a former student I can say what great teacher and person he was. Always looked forward to his class. I still have a love of history. Rest easy with the Angels now Mr. Fleming May your family and friends find peace in their happy memories.
Tom Coughlin
January 30, 2021
Prayers go up for the Fleming family.
Tom & Kathryn Coughlin
Sugar Land, Texas
Amy Gillam ORiley
January 30, 2021
Mr. Fleming was one of my favorite teachers. His classes were so engaging. Still to this day, I still have a love of art history and can name many masterpieces of art. I can still hear the click of the slide projector as her would share the slides of painting and other artwork with us. I am forever grateful for the trips to Europe that he organized and chaperoned. He gave us the gift of seeing the world and learning about other cultures. Those trips are some of my favorite memories of high school. Thank you, Mr. Fleming, for all of the years you dedicated to teaching the students at HHS. You have made an impact on so many. You will be missed, but not forgotten. My condolences, thoughts, and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Norm Robinson
January 30, 2021
So sorry to hear this. Mr Fleming was my favorite teacher in High School, and he wrote a reference letter that helped get me a scholarship to college. Great guy.
Martha Sebilian Davis
January 30, 2021
As a teacher, who teaches Social Studies, I so appreciate Mr. Fleming's passion and dedication to the craft of education. My deepest sympathy to friends and family.
Laura Kearns
January 30, 2021
May you Rest In Peace Mr. Fleming. A great Teacher and Person!
Craig Stanley
January 30, 2021
I had Mr. Fleming for history. He was one of the best teachers I´ve ever had. Condolences to the family.
Sister Joanne Eneguess
January 30, 2021
ichael was our landscaper at Venerini Academy for many years. Michael you can now rest from your labors.
Alan Hidenfelter
January 30, 2021
I was sorry to hear of Mike passing. We were close friends from Columbus Park from the time we were young grammar school buddies up thru St. Peter´s in high school. Many great memories with Mike and his whole family as I have been and am still close to Joe and Tim whom I offer my condolences.
Mike, Rest In Peace and we will all be together again.
Suzie Tavano
January 30, 2021
Dear Jennifer, My sincere condolences to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss, may he Rest In Eternal Peace.
Sue Morowski
January 30, 2021
I also want to say to Jennifer and the rest of Mike's family remember all the good memories you have and keep them close to your heart.
Sue Morowski
January 30, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I have known Mike for almost 50 years living across the street from me. I have many good memories
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Fleming's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Fleming
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Fleming's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
