Richard Fleming Obituary

Richard Paul Fleming Share this obituary Lee, NH - Richard Paul Fleming of Lee, NH, set off on a solo sail to Heaven, on May 5, 2023, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born in Boston, MA on June 17, 1947, the oldest of six sons to Paul and Eva Fleming. After graduating from Norwood High School, he attended Wentworth Institute before being drafted into the U. S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the 335 Cowboys UH-1 division. Following his service in Vietnam, he served with the 397 Medical Detail (Helicopter Ambulance) with NH Army National Guard, Concord as its Utility Helicopter Crew Chief. After moving to Lee, NH, he enlisted with the NH Air National Guard at Pease, as an aircraft maintenance craftsman, on the K-C 135's. He supported missions in the Pacific, Desert Storm Iraqi Freedom, Support Antarctica, and Enduring Freedom. He completed his educational requirements, earning a BS from the University of New Hampshire. Rick was a multi-layered man, tough and hardworking. He helped with the formation of Boy Scout Troop 459 as one of the Scout Masters. He also enjoyed working with the Town of Lee Road Division, plowing during storms. He loved working on his beautiful farm haying the fields and managing the forest. Rick was always available and willing to help his many neighbors with their farm equipment and tasks. His real passion was sailing. He spent countless hours in the summer when not haying, working on his boat and sailing the Maine coastline. He is survived by his beloved wife Joan, of 52 years, his children Maureen (Eric), Seamus (Sandi) and Andy; his brothers James (Linda), Philip (Lizette), David (Katherine), Charles, and sister-in-law Deborah. Rick was pre-deceased by his brother, Don. His brother-in-law Ian (Bette Ann); Cousins Janet (Michael), Jackie (Kerri); his nieces, nephews and extended family, as well as many cherished friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday May 13, 2023 at noon in the Church of St. Thomas More in Durham, NH. Followed by a reception at the Lee Church Vestry. A special thanks is given to the compassionate staff at Dana Farber Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Wentworth Douglass Hospital and the Cornerstone VNA and Hospice. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Research.