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The Very Reverend Joseph W. Fleming, 77, Mount Union, passed early Monday morning at Presbyterian Village at Hollidaysburg. Father Fleming was born in Altoona, the son of the late William E. and Theonas E. (Kettl) Fleming.
He is survived by his sister, Marie C. Korman of Bellwood; a sister-in-law, Gail Fleming of Hahira, Ga.; four nieces: Melanie (David) Shildt of Pinecroft, Chrissy (Brian) Shura of Bellwood, Christi (Toby) Mitchell of Hahira, Ga., and Jennifer Fleming of Jacksonville, Fla.; great-nephews and great-nieces: Taylor and Arik Shildt, Hunter and Blake Shura and Haley Mitchell; an aunt, Dorothy Fleming; and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his brother, John.
Father Fleming attended Saint Matthew School, Tyrone, and Saint James School, Orlando, Fla.
He graduated from Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School, Altoona, and Saint Francis College and Seminary, Loretto.
On May 4, 1974, he was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona, by Bishop James J. Hogan.
He served as Parochial Vicar at Holy Name Parish, Ebensburg (1974-84), St. Peter Parish, Somerset (1984-86) and St. Joseph Parish (1986-87). He was appointed Pastor of St. Mary Parish, Snow Shoe (1987-88), St. Augustine Parish, Dysart (1988-2014) along with St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Ashville (1991-94) and St. Monica Parish, Chest Springs (1995-2014). In 2014, Father Fleming was appointed Pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Mount Union, and St. Mary Parish, Shade Gap, an assignment he held until his passing.
At the time of his passing, Father Fleming was the Dean of the Northern Deanery, which includes Centre, Clinton and Huntingdon counties.
Father Fleming had a great interest in flying, both full size airplanes as well as remote-control model planes. He held his private pilot's license and was a member of Experimental Aircraft Association, International Aerobatic Club and the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
Friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Tyrone; and from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, at the church. A funeral Mass will follow at noon on Monday, with the Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak, Celebrant.
Committal will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery, Tyrone.
Arrangements are by Jon C. Russin Funeral Home Inc., Bellwood.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Father Joseph's memory be made to a Diocesan Parish of your choice.
russinfuneralhome.com