Lawrence Joseph "Joe" Fleming

SHREWSBURY - Lawrence Joseph “Joe” Fleming, 89 of Shrewsbury passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

He was born in Worcester, MA, the son of the late Lawrence and Myrtle R. (Miller) Fleming. Joe is survived by his nieces and nephews, Christine M. Fleming and her husband Will of Wales, Timothy C. Fleming and his wife Vera of Auburn, Deborah Sampson and her husband Timmy of Hubbardston, Richard F. Fleming Jr. and his wife Diane of Ft. Wayne, IN, Stephen M. Fleming and his wife LouAnn of Paxton, and Michele M. Hamilton and her husband Paul of Auburn.  Also, many great-nieces and nephews.  His two beloved cats Lucky and Mouthy and his friends Terry and Maria.  Joe was the eldest brother of the Fleming family and was predeceased by his brothers Richard, Michael and Timothy Fleming and their parents Lawrence and Myrtle R. (Miller) Fleming, his nephews Joseph Fleming and Jonathan Fleming.  

Joe was born, raised and educated in Worcester.  He graduated from Tufts School of the Museum of fine arts with an MFA.  He was part of a Monastery from 1952 to 1975.  He was the Dean of Students at St. Bonaventure for many years and head pharmaceutical purchaser for Brigham & Women's Hospital for over 20 years.

Joe loved to cook and decorate for Christmas. He would start to decorate for Christmas in October as he had four Christmas trees and many decorations for the holiday.  He was an artist and painted several oil paintings.  He created beautiful stained-glass windows and lamps.  He had fond memories of traveling to Germany with his beloved brother Michael.  He was an avid gardener with a beautiful yard that was filled with flowers and plants.  He loved to cook and enjoyed spending time with Kathy and Kevin, who were like family to him.  Joe loved to tell stories about his adventures and had a wonderful sense of humor.  His favorite thing to do was to go out to dinner with friends and family.

A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 11:00 am at North American Martyrs Church, 8 Wyoma Dr, Auburn.  Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Grafton.  A calling hour will be held at the church from 10:00 – 11:00 am before the Mass.  Arrangements are in the care of Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester.