Obituary for Denis M Fleming
Denis Fleming, 92, of East Windsor, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2020 after a valiant struggle against leukemia. Denis is survived by his beloved wife of sixty five years, Jeanette, as well as six children: Julie Wane, Mary Jane Dean and her husband, Michael, Jeanette Brancato and her husband, Michael , Matthew Fleming and his wife, Pat, Howard Fleming and his wife, Cindy, and Peggy Wierciszewski and her husband, Mark; sixteen grandchildren: Denis Wane, Brian Wane, Jessica Wane, Lisa Dixon, Christin Giles, Andrew Dean, Brian Dean, Jennifer Brancato, Caitlin Brancato, Michael Brancato, Daniel Fleming, Morgan Fleming, Kadyn Fleming, Shea Fleming, Linsey Wierciszewski and Brooke Wierciszewski; and nine great grandchildren: Toby, Sydney, Reagan, Mikaela, Drew, Isabelle, Grace, Lucy and Brennan. Denis was born in Brooklyn on April 20, 1928, the cherished son of Marie McMonagle Fleming and Daniel Fleming.
He was a gifted young man who, along with his younger brother Dan, embraced the importance of God, family and education. After graduating from Fordham University, Denis married his soul mate, Jeanette, and served in the Korean War. Upon his return, he devoted his life to education and family. In 1987, Denis retired from his career as the School Superintendent of District 20 in Brooklyn, having inspired educators and students alike with his love of learning.
His life-long commitment to literacy continued as he stressed the importance of continuing education in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ever the patriarch of a large and close-knit family, Denis sparked an interest in reading with his repetition of quotes- from Dr. Seuss to Shakespeare. From an early age, he developed a love of sports and was both playing and cheering on his favorite teams until his passing. His life was marked by his deep faith and tolerance, love of family, and commitment to education.
While he joins his loving sons Denis and John in death, his presence here on earth will be sorely missed by family and friends. “Passing through nature to eternity,” his spirit will continue to inspire those who had the privilege to know him.
Due to gathering restrictions, a private family Mass will be celebrated with burial following at the Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Denis’s name may be made to Saint Anthony of Padua RC Church, 156 Maxwell Ave. Hightstown, NJ 08520. Arrangements are under the direction of the Barlow & Zimmer Funeral Home, Hightstown.
He was a gifted young man who, along with his younger brother Dan, embraced the importance of God, family and education. After graduating from Fordham University, Denis married his soul mate, Jeanette, and served in the Korean War. Upon his return, he devoted his life to education and family. In 1987, Denis retired from his career as the School Superintendent of District 20 in Brooklyn, having inspired educators and students alike with his love of learning.
His life-long commitment to literacy continued as he stressed the importance of continuing education in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ever the patriarch of a large and close-knit family, Denis sparked an interest in reading with his repetition of quotes- from Dr. Seuss to Shakespeare. From an early age, he developed a love of sports and was both playing and cheering on his favorite teams until his passing. His life was marked by his deep faith and tolerance, love of family, and commitment to education.
While he joins his loving sons Denis and John in death, his presence here on earth will be sorely missed by family and friends. “Passing through nature to eternity,” his spirit will continue to inspire those who had the privilege to know him.
Due to gathering restrictions, a private family Mass will be celebrated with burial following at the Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Denis’s name may be made to Saint Anthony of Padua RC Church, 156 Maxwell Ave. Hightstown, NJ 08520. Arrangements are under the direction of the Barlow & Zimmer Funeral Home, Hightstown.