Francis A. Fleming

Francis Anthony Fleming, 87, of Tottenville, passed away unexpectedly on July 1, 2026. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed.

A lifelong Staten Islander, Francis was born to Anna Blackham Fleming and John Fleming on January 7, 1939, in St. George. He graduated from Curtis High School and the College of Staten Island before serving in the U.S. Army. He then dedicated his career to public service, first with the NYPD and then with the FDNY, retiring as a Captain after years of leadership marked by courage and commitment.

Outside of his career, Francis enjoyed birding, reading, and model trains. He was an avid student of American history, with a special interest in the history of New York City and Staten Island. Above all, he enjoyed being with people. He loved striking up conversations, sharing stories, and getting to know people wherever he went.

Francis is survived by his wife, Patricia (Tighe) Fleming; his children, Michael, Melissa (David), and Brian (Agnes); his grandsons, Max and Leo; and his sisters, Carol Schembre and Elizabeth Tiedemann. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, James and John.

His life was defined by service—to his country, his city, and above all, to his family. He will be remembered with love and gratitude by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral from Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home on Friday, July 10th at Our Lady Help of Christians RC Church 10:00AM. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation hours are Wednesday 7-9PM and Thursday from 2-4 & 7-9PM

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Francis' name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or that a memorial tree be planted in his memory.