Obituary of Norman E. Fleming

Erie, PA- Norman E. Fleming, 76, formerly of Allegany, NY, passed away peacefully Friday (August 4, 2023) with his family by his side at the Erie VA Medical Center. Born August 27, 1946, in Wellsville, NY, he was the son of Richard and Gloria (Stillwell) Fleming. On September 27, 1969, at the St. Mary’s Church in Belmont, NY, he married his true love, Wilma Kruger, who survives. Norm served the United States Army as a radio teletype operator (41st Signal Corps) from 1966-1972; gaining the rank of E-5 Sergeant during his tour in Vietnam. He was active as a PUFL member of the Friendship American Legion, Post #1168. Following his military service, he was employed as a Tax Assessor in Friendship, Humphrey, Olean, and Allegany, NY for a total of 30 years. During his career, he obtained his IAO designation for certified tax assessment with the Institute of Assessment Officers in New York State. In addition, he was a USPTR certified tennis coach for Allegany-Limestone Central School for 14 years. In his free time, he was an avid tennis and pickleball player, and had a profound love for music. Norm was in several bands as a trumpet player, often arranging and performing original songs alongside his wife and family members. He later composed a CD of silly songs for children and two musical plays. In his early years, he loved hunting and fishing, and always enjoyed time in nature. Norm felt his greatest accomplishments in life were his marriage, family, and friends. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Kaye C. Fleming of Erie,PA Carla (Jim Fehl) Fleming of Erie,PA Ashly (Jill) Fleming of Getzville, Linsey (Joe) McGraw of Warren, PA; his grandchildren Maggie Born, Jae Born, Ellie Born, Shaelie Born, Ethan (Samantha) Fleming, Nora Fleming, Molly Fleming, Curtis McGraw and Caroline McGraw; his siblings Richard (Holly) Fleming, Gloria (DJ) Hall, Patrick Fleming, Michael (Gisela) Fleming, and Roger Fleming. He was predeceased by his parents, one son, Dustin Jae Fleming (1988), a sister Catherine Christmann (2022), and an infant sister, Priscilla Fleming. The family will be present to receive friends on Monday (August 7, 2023) from 10- 11am at St. Bonaventure Church, 95 E. Main St., Allegany, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11am. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, with full military honors to be accorded by the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the CLC Beta 5th floor staff at the Erie VA Medical Center for the loving care they gave Norm during his stay. Their final Honors Walk embodied America’s true patriotism. Memorial contributions, if desired may be made to: Erie VA Medical Center, Attn: CLC Beta, 135 East 38th St, Erie PA 16504 or Alzheimers.org (Team “Flemfam2”)