Arthur T. Fleming

Arthur Terrence Fleming, “Terry”, 81, passed away on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Springfield, MA on August 9th, 1939, son of Arthur and Marie (McCarthy) Fleming. Terry was a 1957 graduate of Springfield Technical High School and attended STCC. He served in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S The Sullivans and the U.S.S. N.K. Perry. Terry worked in the grocery industry as a sales representative for nearly 50 years. He was known by all for his quiet, kind manner, and his quick wit, with the ability to come up with a one-liner in nearly any situation. He struck up a conversation with everyone he came across and was a good friend to everyone he knew. Terry enjoyed the outdoors with an interest in birds and gardening. He was well-read with a large book collection. He possessed a keen intelligence and was quite knowledgeable about local history, Native American history, and Irish culture. Terry was predeceased by his first wife Judith (Haraty) Fleming, his daughter Kristine (Fleming) Athens, his sister Andrea (Fleming) Neary, sisters in-law: Janice Cavanaugh Richards and Linda (Haraty) Carabetta. He leaves his wife Rebecca, daughter Kathleen (Ralph) Rinaldi, and his cherished granddaughter Erin Marie Rinaldi, his sister Charlene (Fleming) Stearns, his step daughters: Susan Morrison (Roger Cooney), and Patricia (Scott) Germain, his sisters and brothers-in law: Rocco Carabetta, Richard (Cecelia) Haraty, Gail (Gary) Manuel, and Bette (Roger) MacWilliams, his nieces and nephews: Bridget (Astrid) Stearns, Elizabeth (Joseph) Vartelone, Robert Stearns, Rachel Neary, Laurie Cavanaugh, Billy (Peggy) Cavanaugh and Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Carabetta, Stephen (Diane) Carabetta, Katie Manuel, Allison Manuel, Shannon (Scott) Dowling, and Kelsey Haraty, and his step grandchildren: Kevin and Katie Yochim, Nikki and Alli Germain. Terry also leaves many close cousins, relatives, friends, and neighbors. The family wishes to thank Baystate Home Health Care and Baystate Hospice for their kindness and compassion. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Forastiere Smith. In keeping with safety in regards to COVID, there will be no calling hours. Family and friends will gather while socially distancing on Saturday, April 10th at St. Michael’s Church, 128 Maple St., East Longmeadow, MA for a liturgy of Christian burial at 10am. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to St. Michael’s Church, East Longmeadow, or Zebra Crossings (camp and recreational experiences which are inclusive for children with medical issues), PO box 411, Dover, NH 03821.