Rev. Thomas Fleming, retired priest, Diocese of Worcester

Rev. Thomas B. Fleming

WORCESTER — Rev. Thomas B. Fleming, 71, a retired priest of the Diocese of Worcester, died Monday, November 1, 2021 at St. Vincent Hospital.

He leaves two brothers, William J. Fleming of Auburn, James R. Fleming of Pascoag, R.I.; and six sisters, Patricia Grace White of Charlotte, N.C., Deborah M. Ulitsky of Jefferson, Maureen F. Clark of Worcester, Sandra A. Brennan of Worcester, Joan C. White of Worcester and Annette L. Fleming of Templeton; and many nieces and nephews.

Father Fleming was born in Worcester, son of William T. and Bertha May (LeBritton) Fleming.

After graduating from St. Peter's High School in Worcester, he entered St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, Conn. He continued his preparation for the priesthood at Christ the King Seminary, St. Bonaventure College in New York, where he earned degrees in Theology and Philosophy, and developed a devotion to the teachings and spiritual disciplines of the Franciscans.

Father Fleming was ordained in 1976 by Bishop Timothy J. Harrington. He was an Associate Pastor at several diocesan parishes including St. Stephen's, St. George's, and Notre Dame/St. Joseph's Parish, all in Worcester, as well as St. Luke's in Westborough and St. Anna's Parish in Leominster. He also served as a Co-Pastor of Christ the King Parish in Worcester, and as Pastor at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Bolton.

Father Fleming was also a Chaplain at UMass-Memorial Medical Center, and a longtime Chaplain for the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee.

The funeral Mass will be held Saturday, November 6, at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main St., Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. There are calling hours in the church on Friday, November 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. to be followed by a vigil service at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Priest Retirement Fund c/o the Diocese of Worcester, MA, 49 Elm St, Worcester, MA, 01609.

The Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester is directing the arrangements.