Edward “Ed” William Fleming

Beloved father, Edward “Ed” William Fleming, 97, slipped into eternity in his sleep at home on July 24, 2025. Survivors include his sister Kathryn Turk (Raymond), Loretta Jackson (the late Tony), Edward (Lana), John (Nancy), Nancy, Allison (daughter-in-law), Robert and Kathy (Burke).

He was preceded in death by his father, mother and his siblings Margaret and Thomas, along with his wife of 70 years Kathryn Loretta Fleming (nee McElroy), most often called “Loretta,” and their son Richard.

Ed was born on October 11, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the second child of Elizabeth (nee Whearty) and Edward William Fleming. After the early passing of his father, Ed grew to be a solid support for the family of the Great Depression era.

His widowed mother refreshed her acquired typing, shorthand and public speaking skills to ultimately win a post as an executive secretary at Union Carbide. The siblings all completed higher educations.

Ed graduated from West Technical High School’s Aeronautics division on June 5, 1945. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy one month later, training in California. He has said that the only time he ever saw his mother cry was when she signed his enlistment card as he was not yet 18.

He was a part of the V-12 Navy College Training Program, a World War II initiative for training commissioned officers for the Navy and the Marine Corps. His World War II Victory Ribbon testifies to service fulfilled stateside, for the war had officially ended on Sept. 2, 1945.

He continued his college studies and graduated as an adult in 1957 with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree from Fenn College in Cleveland.

Ed met the love of his life, Kathryn Loretta McElroy, in Cleveland. Early on, they shared a love of roller skating with their respective skating clubs. Their life together was full of adventures in the nurturing of seven children.

Ed was employed for 15 years by General Motors, followed by a satisfying 30 years at Ford Motor Company. He became one of eight Ford Service Engineers with territories nationwide. New England was his domain for troubleshooting dealer vehicle problems.

He taught classes in electronic engine controls when it was a new technology. His analysis was valued in issuing a recall. His uncanny skills at diagnosing vehicle problems earned him a nickname, “The Whiz.”

The couple settled in Merrimack, New Hampshire. They renewed wedding vows marking 70 years of marriage well before her passing in 2019. Their seven children, 13 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and extended family were their treasures.

The pair loved travel, road trips and camping. With the advent of national highways after World War II, the family acquired a pop-up camper and explored the country in a wood-paneled station wagon.

Ed’s free time mostly was spent in the garage fixing cars for family and friends to “save them some money.” Spontaneous projects include building a bat house and carving and painting a tall, multi-jointed Pinocchio marionette.

Loretta was a swimming champion in her youth and as an elder with the Granite State Senior Games. Ed competed in track and cycling for several years. Over time, the family acquired several motorhomes maintained with his automotive skills.

Later, Ed and Loretta enjoyed more than 30 educational trips through Elderhostel, now Road Scholar. They went to Arizona to learn about archaeology, New Orleans for jazz music and Nashville for country music. Numerous cruises included Alaska, the Mississippi River and Oregon’s Snake River.

Ed will be remembered for his quiet strength, devotion to family, mechanical ingenuity, and deep sense of duty–whether serving his country, caring for his mother or guiding his own children with his wisdom. He leaves: A Legacy of Love.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 29, from 5-7 p.m. at Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Highway in Merrimack, NH. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 30, at 12 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy, 16 Baboosic Lake Road in Merrimack, NH, with a burial to follow at the last Rest Cemetery, also located in Merrimack.