Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1948
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Joseph Flemming Obituary
Father Fleming was born Feb. 5, 1948 in Altoona, the son of the late William E. and Theonas E. (Kettl) Fleming.
He is survived by his sister, Marie C. Korman of Bellwood; a sister-in-law, Gail Fleming of Hahira, Ga.; four nieces, Melanie (David) Shildt of Pinecroft, Chrissy (Brian) Shura of Bellwood, Christi (Toby) Mitchell of Hahira, Ga. and Jennifer Fleming of Jacksonville, Fla.; great nephews and great nieces, Taylor and Arik Shildt, Hunter and Blake Shura, and Haley Mitchell; an aunt, Dorothy Fleming; and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his brother, John.
Father Fleming attended Saint Matthew School, Tyrone, and Saint James School, Orlando, Fla.
He graduated from Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School, Altoona, and Saint Francis College and Seminary, Loretto. On May 4, 1974, he was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona by Bishop James J. Hogan.
He served as Parochial Vicar at Holy Name Parish, Ebensburg (1974-84), Saint Peter Parish, Somerset (1984-86) and Saint Joseph Parish (1986-87). He was appointed Pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Snow Shoe (1987-88), Saint Augustine Parish, Dysart (1988-2014) along with St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Ashville (1991-94) and Saint Monica Parish, Chest Springs (1995-2014). In 2014, Father Fleming was appointed Pastor of Saint Catherine of Siena Parish, Mount Union and Saint Mary Parish, Shade Gap, an assignment he held until his passing.
At the time of his passing, Father Fleming was the Dean of the Northern Deanery, which includes Centre, Clinton, and Huntingdon counties.
Father Fleming had a great interest in flying, both full size airplanes as well as remote-control model planes. He held his private pilot's license and was a member of Experimental Aircraft Association, International Aerobatic Club and the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
Friends will be received from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025; and from 10:30-11:45 a.m., Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 at Saint Matthew Catholic Church, Tyrone. A funeral Mass will follow at noon Monday at the church with The Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak, Celebrant.
Committal will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery, Tyrone.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Father Joseph's memory be made to a Diocesan Parish of your choice.
Arrangements are by Jon C. Russin Funeral Home, Inc., Bellwood. russinfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Flemming
Sponsored by Jon C Russin Funeral Home.
2 Entries
Daniel b bauer
November 16, 2025
Rest in peace of Christ Jesus. Thou art a priest forever! May his memory be eternal!!!.
Gene Thomas Gomulka
November 16, 2025
Joe and I met at St. Francis College in Loretto, PA, in 1966 when we began our studies for the priesthood in residence at St. John Vianney Hall. We were together for our last two years of college and my first year of theology at St. Francis Seminary before I left to complete my theological studies in Rome. We were two of five young men ordained as priests for the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese in 1974. Even though I left the diocese in 1980 to serve as a military chaplain, and Joe and I were thousands of miles apart, we sometimes got together when I was back visiting relatives and friends in Pennsylvania. Joe always struck me as a gentle, kind pastor. From time to time, I would send Joe aviation articles or videos as I knew he, like two other priest friends of mine, enjoyed flying. I hope the people in the parishes where he served appreciated his ministry. Unlike two of the priests with whom Joe and I were ordained who were removed for abusing teenage boys, Joe, I, and Fr. Len Voytek, thankfully, never had that problem. Joe should serve as a reminder to Catholics that they need to love and support their good priests who have given up having a wife and children to follow Christ. May the angels welcome Joe into paradise and comfort his relatives, friends, and parishioners. Requiescat in pacem!
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph Flemming's name
Memorial Events
for Joseph Flemming
How to support Joseph's loved ones
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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor Joseph Flemming'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
