Aug. 6, 1935 Oct. 19, 2012
William J. "Bill" Fleming, 77, Altoona, passed away early Friday morning at his residence after a lengthy battle with myelodysplastic syndrome.
He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., son of the late William J. and Beatrice (McNally) Fleming. He married Kathleen M. Chitty on Oct. 14, 1961, near Dover, Del.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 51 years; two sons: William J. and wife, Jennifer, of Las Vegas, Nev., and John B. (Emily) of New York City; two daughters: Peggy M. Snyder (Jeff Schlick) and Maureen B. Lesser and husband, Kent, all of Altoona; four grandchildren: Justin and Megan Frederick, Joel Lesser and Benjamin Fleming; and a brother, Robert and wife, Catherine, of Long Island, N.Y.
Bill was a 1953 graduate of La Salle Academy, New York City, and then attended Fordham University, New York City. He took true pride and passion in his job at Cove Shoe Co., Martinsburg (a division of H.H. Brown Shoe Co., New York City), where he was employed as a footwear salesman for 36 years. His occupation allowed him and his family to pursue their interest in traveling, having lived in four states while employed in the shoe industry.
Bill was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and also belonged to the Knights of Columbus, including the Altoona Chapter, with more than 40 years of devoted service. He enjoyed spending time with his family, participating in "trivia night" at Shan Nicole's Irish Pub in Hollidaysburg and traveling.
He will be remembered not only as a wonderful husband, fantastic father and excellent grandfather but also for his unique and subtle sense of humor and his undeniable tenacity for life.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Monsignor Stan Carson officiating.
A celebration of life service for family and friends will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, at Shan Nicole's Irish Pub, Hollidaysburg. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Las Vegas.
The family prefers that memorial contributions be given to your local American Cancer Society (earmarked for pancreatic cancer research).
Arrangements are by John C. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg.
