Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Richard W. Fleming, aged 89, of
Medford, Massachusetts, who died peacefully on January 2, 2026, after a long and faithful life.
Born in Barryroe, County Cork, Ireland, in 1936, he was the son of the late William and Hannah
Fleming and the eldest of eight children.

Following the death of his mother when he was just
thirteen years old, he helped raise his younger siblings, a responsibility he carried with quiet
strength and devotion throughout his life.
He emigrated to the United States in 1957, where he built a life defined by hard work, integrity,
and kindness. A skilled carpenter by trade, he studied at Wentworth Institute and was
associated with the local carpenters’ union. He later owned his own construction business and
became especially known for his work on historic homes in Cambridge, where he took great
pride in preserving their character and craftsmanship. He worked tirelessly and with dedication
until the age of 87, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew him.
In 1970, he married Cecelia Collins, and together they raised four children: Celia, Maura,
Richard, and Kevin. Following Cecelia’s death at the age of 40, he continued to raise his children
with love and dedication, supported by family.
A gifted and lifelong athlete, he was well known for his involvement in the GAA in both Boston
and New York. He won four New England Championships with the Boston Cork Football Club
(1959, 1962, 1963 and 1969) and traveled to Ireland in 1962 with the New York Cork team,
playing a significant role in defeating the 1961 Cork Champions. Richie remained active
throughout his life, playing soccer into his seventies. He especially loved watching his children
and grandchildren play sports and took great pride in coaching many young players through
Medford Youth Soccer. He was also an avid golfer and recorded two hole-in-ones.
He was a man known and loved everywhere he went. It was rare to travel anywhere without
him encountering someone whose life he had touched. He was the kindest and gentlest of
men, loved by everyone who met him – a truth echoed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his four children and ten grandchildren: Celia Fleming Dieterich and her
husband, Matt, of South Paris, Maine, and their children, Will, Cecelia, Elizabeth, and Richard;
Maura Fleming Miele and her husband, Steve, of Wellesley, Massachusetts, and their son, Luke;
Richard Fleming and his wife, Kerri, of Libertyville, Illinois, and their children, Richard III,
Hannah, and Mairead; and Kevin Fleming and his wife, Sunni, of Milton, Massachusetts, and
their daughters, Victoria and Alexandra. He is also survived by his siblings, Mary Ellen Hand,
Anna Buckley, John Joe Fleming, Liz Aylott, Brendan Fleming, and Michael Fleming and his sister-
in-law, Mary E. Collins. He was predeceased by his wife, Cecelia, and his brother Pat Fleming.
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He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Visitation will be held at Doherty’s Funeral Home, 855 Broadway, Somerville, MA, on Monday,
January 5, from 4–7 p.m., followed by a Funeral Mass on Tuesday, January 6, at 10 a.m. at St.
Raphael’s Church, 512 High St., Medford, MA. Interment at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.