Edward J. Fleming, Jr.'s Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edward J Fleming, Jr., a cherished and deeply loved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and friend. Ed went home to the Lord on November 27, 2024, surrounded by family at his home in Mount Dora, Florida.
Ed was born in Bristol, Pennsylvania on March 27, 1931 to the late Edward (Bud) and Marion Fleming. A third-generation farmer, Ed was raised on the family farm in Andalusia, Bucks County. Farming was truly in his blood. Ed found great satisfaction in being a farmer for most of his life: starting anew each spring first turning over the soil, then planting and nurturing the seeds, watching them grow, and ultimately harvesting the crop.
Ed was a very humble man who truly loved people. He taught his children that we live in a small world. He should be remembered for being the best person he could be and for living a life that looked out for others, his generosity, and charity. He epitomized what it is to show unconditional love.
Ed graduated from Bensalem High School in 1949 and went on to earn a degree in Horticulture from The National Agricultural College (now Delaware Valley University) in 1953. According to Ed’s college yearbook, he was known as “Another fine Horticulturist and athlete… Ed was a friendly guy who enjoyed having a good time… a good student and active in class and College affairs… another good man to have around.” He enlisted in the Army after graduation.
Ed married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Delores Marie Hopely, in June 1954. Ed was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii from 1955 To 1957 where he taught map reading and Delores taught elementary school. In 1961 Ed and Delores moved to Lower Makefield where they lived until Ed’s retirement in 1991. Ed and Delores shared a wonderful life together and raised three daughters. Their lives were blessed with many cherished friends. They shared a love of entertaining, playing bridge and tennis, and traveling. Three of their most memorable trips were to China, Holland, and Australia with the University of Delaware Department of Agriculture. Their last trip together was to Alaska before Delores passed away in 2003. In 2009, Ed was remarried to Martha Ann Seyler. They spent the last 15 years loving and caring for each other.
Ed was a big fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, Sixers, and especially his beloved Phillies. Ed was a season ticket holder for many years and in later years travelled to a dozen or more cities to enjoy the Phillies play against the hometown team.
Left to cherish his memory are his three daughters and sons-in-law: Wendy and George Allen of Langhorne, PA; Jill and Harold Summers of Mount Dora, Florida; and Nancy and Earl Lesko of Langhorne, PA; five granddaughters: Lauren Breslin, Stephanie Hodges, Jacklyn Summers, Mackenzie Lesko, and Nicole Summers; his great granddaughters Kerry and Brigit Breslin and Harper Hodges; his wife Martha Fleming; his brother and sister-in-law Dave and Beverley Fleming; a sister-in-law Susann Gibbs, and several nieces and nephews. Ed was predeceased in death by his wife of 49 years, Delores Marie Fleming and his grandson, Cody Edward Lesko.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the amazing support provided by Grace Assured in caring for Ed over the last several years.
Ed leaves a lasting legacy of deep and unwavering commitment and love of family which will continue as an inspiration to those who grieve his loss. A celebration of life will be held in the spring.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared on the tribute wall.
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