Donald Joseph Fleming

POLAND - D. Joseph Fleming (Joe), 76, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease, on September 16, 2024.

Joe was born on August 24, 1948, in Youngstown, Ohio, the first son of Donald Joseph Fleming and Rosemary McNicholas Fleming, both deceased. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years, Maryellen (Comerford) Fleming, his three children, Dan (H.J.) Fleming, Mike (Rebecca) Fleming, and Kevin (Allison) Fleming; six grandchildren, Zoe, Sarah, Maeve, Connor, Brennan, and Quinlan; his brothers Tom (Mary) Fleming and Jim Motters; his late sister Catherine (Richard) Urmann; and honorary uncle to his children and grandchildren John Fitzgerald.

Joe retired after more than 30 years as an executive and co-owner in the trucking industry, leading Falcon Transport and Comprehensive Logistics in Youngstown, Ohio. Before his time at Falcon, Joe worked at McNicholas Transportation, the company founded by his grandfather in 1903.

Joe attended St. Charles Catholic School and graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1966. He went on to receive his B.S. in Mathematics from Georgetown University and his Masters in Education from Howard University in Washington D.C. After college, Joe taught Math at Cardozo High School in inner city Washington D.C. before returning to Youngstown. 

A dedicated member of Holy Family Parish in Poland, Joe served in many roles, including Parish Council President, Finance Chairman, Home & School Board President, and lector, alongside his beloved wife Maryellen. His devotion to his faith and community was a defining aspect of his life, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Joe was a supportive and compassionate individual, always giving generously of his time, talent and expertise to countless organizations. He was deeply involved in both business and charitable causes, leaving an indelible mark on the community he cherished. 

Joe’s commitment to service extended far beyond his parish. He served as a Board Member for the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, Chairman of the Youngstown Diocese Finance Board, President of the Youngstown Community School, and Board Member at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital. He also held leadership positions at Goodwill of Youngstown, where he served as Board President and Finance Chairman, and at Cardinal Mooney, where he was a Board Member and Finance Chairman. In 2002, he was honored with the Cardinal Mooney Alumni Award. Additionally, Joe served on the Board of the Mill Creek Children's Center and was a passionate advocate for Catholic Service League, serving as Finance Chair and Board President. He generously volunteered his time to St. Vincent DePaul, where he was a Member of the Board.

Joe was recognized with the Voice of Hope Award for Excellence, Creativity, and Leadership in Charity & Justice from Catholic Charities of Youngstown and received special recognition, along with his brother Tom, from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In the trucking industry, Joe was a respected leader, serving as a Board Member and Committee Chairman for the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), where he was honored with the prestigious Silver Spark Plug Award for his outstanding contributions. He was also named Maintenance Man of the Year by the Commercial Car Journal (CCJ).

Above all, Joe cherished his family. For over 40 years, he took his entire family on an annual beach trip to Rehoboth Beach, DE, and shared his love of skiing with his children and grandchildren.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at the Inn at Poland Way and Buckeye Hospice for their compassionate care and unwavering dedication to Joe and the other residents.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, September 20th from 3 pm - 7 pm at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes Poland Chapel, 2726 Center Road.

Prayers will be held at 9:30 am on Saturday, September 21 at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at Holy Family Parish, 2731 Center Road, Poland. Interment will be at Poland Riverside Cemetery. Joe's family invites you to a celebration of life luncheon at Holy Family Parish Center following the burial services.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made to the Ursuline Sisters Mission of Youngstown or Holy Family Parish in Poland.

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