Robert Fleming

Robert Copeland Fleming, 93, long-time resident of Wallingford, CT, beloved husband of Oma Lou (Thompson) Fleming, died in his home in Madison, Mississippi, on Thursday, August 24, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Bob was born on April 23, 1930, in Wantagh, New York, son of the late Eugene T. Fleming and Marion (Copeland) Fleming. He was the second of four children (Gene, Bob, Betty, Bill) in an exceptionally close-knit family that moved to Glenside, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia, for most of Bob’s childhood.

Bob graduated from Temple University in 1952, where he studied business and played (and lettered) on both the varsity basketball and baseball teams, while also working part-time. After Bob enlisted and served in the Navy for three years, Bob and Lou were married in 1955 and started their life together in Pittsburgh, PA, where Bob was employed by the Allegheny Ludlum Steel Company.

Following the birth of Bob and Lou’s first child, Bob was transferred in 1957 by Allegheny Ludlum to the Wallingford Steel Company (WSC) in Wallingford, Connecticut, where he progressed from Assistant Personnel Manager to Manager of Employee Relations and, ultimately, to Plant Manager. During his tenure as Plant Manager, WSC employed over 700 people and Bob pioneered cutting edge practices for that era such as employee circles and leadership development workshops. Bob also served in a variety of leadership roles for local community organizations, including the United Way (where he received an award for “Outstanding Volunteerism” in 1984) and the Manufacturers Association of Meriden and Wallingford (where he was cited for his “Loyal, Faithful, and Valuable Services as President” in 1984-85). Throughout his career, Bob was known for his honesty, integrity, high standards, and his refusal to take short cuts. “It’s easier to do it the hard way,” he would tell colleagues as well as family members.

Bob's greatest love was his family, which he led by example up until the moment of his passing. In Wallingford, Bob and Lou raised four children (Bob Jr., Andy, Scott, and Becky). A beloved and always-present father, Bob took great pleasure in supporting his children’s interests and activities, whether it was shooting baskets and playing catch in the backyard, coaching their various youth sports teams, or attending piano recitals and band performances. The Fleming home on High Street was characterized by regular family meals and the ritual watching of favorite television shows, lively basement ping-pong battles in which all members participated, and joyous Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

After their children had all graduated from college and moved into careers, Bob and Lou retired to Gloversville, New York in the early 90’s, where they fulfilled Lou’s dream of living on a small lake (Peck Lake) in the Adirondack Park region. Later, Bob and Lou moved to Ocean Springs, Mississippi to be closer to daughter Becky and her two children. At the time of Bob’s passing, Bob and Lou shared a home with Becky in Madison, Mississippi, where “Grandpa Bob” was featured in many children’s videos for the Madison Public Library, including his popular, self-authored “Ducky Daddle” series.

A giver to others his whole life, Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Lou, his four children, seven grandchildren (Matthew, Kristen, Tiffany, Megan, Kate, Alena, and Thomas), five great-grandchildren (Denzel, Damari, Rosie, Lucy, and Wade), as well as three daughters-in law (Gail, Angelica, and Claire). He is pre-deceased by his siblings (Gene, Betty, and Bill).

The family extends deep gratitude to all the caregivers who helped make it possible for Bob and Lou to spend his last weeks together in their home.

The family will hold a private celebration of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family suggests watching a “Ducky Daddle” story in honor of “Grandpa Bob” via the link below, or, even better, passing along the link to parents of young children who might appreciate gentle teaching stories about a shy but determined young duck...or to anyone who might be inspired by watching someone in his 90’s imagine a new way to contribute his gifts, with the help of his librarian daughter, during a global pandemic. Family favorites among the eleven stories include:

Episode #1 - Ducky Daddle Learns to Quack

Episode #2 - Ducky Daddle Meets his Cousins from MassACHOOsetts

Episode #4 – Ducky Daddle Meets Dirty Duck

Here’s a link all of the stories: bit.ly/GrandpaBob_DuckyDaddleStories

Fond memories, expressions of sympathy, and strong preferences for one or more of the Ducky Daddle stories may be shared below through the "Add a Memory" link.