Robert J. Fleming

Robert J. Fleming, 87, of Marathon, NY, passed away at his home on Saturday, August 19, 2023, while surrounded by his loving family.

Born in the Town of Freetown, NY, on October 10, 1935, Bob was the son of the late James and Mary Corr Fleming.  A 1953 graduate of Marathon Central School, he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force.  Bob loved movies, reading western novels, riding his tractors, and going out to eat; above all, he loved the Lord and reading his Bible. His lifelong passion was aircraft, all kinds and sizes.  After serving in the Air Force, he worked initially for Northrup Corporation, and then for Lockheed in California, where, in addition to flight test instrumentation, he was lead aircraft electrician as well as a commercial airline transport pilot. Ultimately, he moved his family back to his home state of New York to start farm life. In addition to farming, he worked as a transportation specialist for Centro in Syracuse. He retired at age 78 and spent the remainder of his days reading western novels and enjoying nature with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bridget Lynch Fleming; his children, Dr. James (Tammy) Fleming, MD of South Carolina, Maria Lescord of Virginia, Teresa (Doug) Dann of Marathon, and Rose Ann (Jim) Holland of Marathon.  He also leaves behind a brother, Stephen (Joan) Fleming of Colorado; a sister, Eileen Haw of Maryland; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sisters-in-law, Mary Fleming of California and Dorothy Fleming of Elmira; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by siblings, Kathleen Terry, James Fleming, Joseph Fleming, Dorothy Beattie, David Fleming, and Joan Fleming.

A private Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church.  Burial will be in Marathon Cemetery.  Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Fleming may be directed to Hospice & Palliative Care Services of Cortland, 11 Kennedy Parkway, Cortland, NY 13045.