Delmont Fleming
June 20, 1934
May 04, 2021
Age 86
"Delmont F. Fleming, 86, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 of heart problems.
He was born in a small coal mining town in western Pennsylvania where his dad was a miner. As a teenager, Del worked summers as a rivet heater at the American Bridge Company in Pittsburg and later as a busboy in a restaurant in Atlantic City to put himself through Eastern College. He graduated in 1959 and received a National Defense Fellowship for graduate school. He completed his Masters and PhD at the University of Pennsylvania. After teaching at Alfred University in New York for three years, he came to Mary Washington College in the autumn of 1966 and joined the English Department where he taught American Literature. His future wife, Sharon, was a student in one of the first classes that he taught there. They were married in 1968. Dr. Fleming served as Secretary of the Faculty for many years and retired in 1992 as Professor Emeritus of English.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years and by several nieces and nephews.
At his request, there will be no memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fredericksburg SPCA 10819 Courthouse Road Fredericksburg, VA 22408.
Online condolences may be shared at vacremationservice.com."
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Tribute Wall
Sharon so sorry to hear of Uncle Delmont passing.
- Lori Fleming Crasi
Sharon. I am so sorry to hear of Dell's passing. I first came to know him on my arrival at MWC in 1985 as our two department's shared a floor in Chandler Hall. He was a delightful, clever man. In the many faculty meetings I endured over the years, I rarely read the minutes in any detail and then, only just before the next meeting. When Dell served as secretary, however, I always read them as soon as they arrived. I think people waited for them, which says it all. He made them a delight, always beginning with a literary flourish. So after a raining afternoon meeting, for example, he'd begin the minutes with something like, "It was a dark and stormy afternoon, when _______ called the meeting to order." He made them fun, a rare talent indeed! Dell belonged to an earlier era of the school, an era much of which I came to miss. I am saddened by his departure. Take care.
- Jim Goehring
Sharon, I just learned of Del’s passing. I am so very sorry, dear friend. Yours was a marriage made of fairy tale beginnings and so very much laughter and joy. I am sending you big hugs and prayers.
- Gail Gates Womble
Delmont Fleming
June 20, 1934 - May 04, 2021