David John Fleming, 85, passed away on Saturday, May 31, in the comfort of his home in Bethel, Maine, surrounded by the people and the pets he loved.
David grew up in Marblehead with his three younger siblings, James, Paul (deceased) and Judy. He attended college at Tufts University and transferred to the University of South Carolina, where he met his first wife, Ann. After graduation, they returned to his hometown, where he started his career as a history teacher at Marblehead High, and welcomed his first two children, Melissa and Michael, into the world. He was not just popular in the classroom; he also led an elective “outdoors mini course,” which students loved, especially the week-long camping and hiking adventure in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
He also had a creative side, dabbling in photography and pottery. In his downtime, he consumed literature and history books. He also loved classical music — a highlight was getting tickets for the iconic Vienna State Opera House. As a recreational fisherman, he would often leave home at the crack of dawn to catch bluefish or stripers when he saw a school of pogies jumping in Salem Harbor.
He returned one school morning holding a giant fish, excitedly exclaiming, “It’s a 30-pounder!”
He served his community, too, cooking for the homeless, taking in a METCO student and teaching an adult education course on the Holocaust.
He met his second wife, Dr. Brenda Minor, while working as the summer manager of the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Cardigan Lodge in New Hampshire. There, he led hikes and found his passion for cooking. He and Brenda had two sons, Andy and Sam. At one point, they were even students in his AP European history class. Later in his career, he also led multiple school trips to Europe during spring break.
After retiring from over four decades of teaching, he delighted in a new way to educate — as a driver and history guide on the Old Town Trolley Tours in Boston.
He and Brenda lived in Marblehead until her retirement five years ago, when they settled in their country home in Bethel, Maine. There, he enjoyed kayaking, hiking and cooking elaborate meals for visiting friends and family.
A celebration of life will be held in his memory on Aug. 2 at 11 a.m. the Old North Church in Marblehead. Family, friends and anyone who was touched by him are welcome to attend.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Andwell Health Hospice, which provided exemplary care to David in his final weeks: (andwell.org/giving/donate/) (select ‘Hospice’ in the final step of the dropdown menu).
