Mr. William J. Fleming

At the age of 80, William ("Bill") Fleming passed away this Tuesday last at Southshore Hospital in Brownstown, Michigan. He is survived by Mary, his wife of 55 years; Anne (Jim) and Bill (Laura), his children; and, Kate, John, Mary, Emma, Andy, Caroline, Xander, Christopher, and Aubrey, his grandchildren. His sister Agnes of West Springfield, MA and his brother Arthur ("Skip") of Newport, RI also mourn his passing. Born 8 May 1934, in Newport, RI, Bill had been an active member of the Downriver community since he and Mary moved to Grosse Ile over 50 years ago. A devoted educator, students recall Mr. Fleming's handsprings and slight-of-hand; they remember how he could reach the most troubled or needy child and provide a fun, safe place to learn and grow. Bill was also a brilliant man who shared his energy and many gifts by serving as a Grosse Ile Rotarian, President of the UM Club of Greater Detroit, and as a member of the Trenton Lions Club. Bill's family will forever be grateful for the lessons of love and commitment, faith and respect, sacrifice and health Bill and Mary extolled from their first days as a married couple to their last moments together. His great legacy not only rests with his children, grandchildren, and students, but extends to the many individuals whose journeys they touch in turn. For those who wish to pay their respects, there will be a public reception from 3-6pm, followed by a Catholic prayer session, on Sunday, 26 October 2014, at Martenson's Funeral Home on West Road in Trenton, Michigan. A funeral mass will be held at 9:30 the following morning, at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, also in Trenton. A private burial in Grosse Ile Cemetery will follow. For those seeking a way to honor Bill's memory, please consider making a donation to the William Fleming Memorial Fund of Grosse Ile High School – an endowment that helps GIHS students in-need to cover the supplemental costs of educational opportunities, such as trips, sports, and activities fees.