Donald Norman Fleming, affectionately known by many as Donn, Dodge, 2N, or Wandering Donn, passed away after a sudden brief illness with his loving daughters by his side on July 31, 2024, in Sarasota, FL, at the age of 75. Born on September 12, 1948, in Springfield, MA, he was a son to the late Norman and Nila (Crawford) Fleming.

Donn is survived by his family who cherished him deeply: Jennifer (Fleming) Mango and her husband Tom, Jillene Fleming and her partner Brad Wilson, and his nieces and nephews, Pam (Klaus) & Mark Laushway, Cindee (Klaus) Elliot, Nancy (Simoneau) & Mike Nadeau, Mike & Debbie Simoneau, David & Debbie Simoneau, cousin Carlene Adair. He was a beloved great-uncle to Sara, Emily, Casey, Kate, Rachel, L 'er, Jason, Jonathan, and Katie, and their children.

His newfound love and partner, Sheila Foley, also survives him. He will be missed by his band of brothers and "the Kindiegarten Club" Dave, Don, Jimmer, Bob, Bobbo, Billy, Jimmy, Jimi; and many friends near and far.

Donn was predeceased by his parents, his sisters Betty (Fleming) Simoneau and Beverly (Fleming) Klaus, his late wife Elizabeth (Bets) Boiteau Fleming, and his niece Jeanne (Simoneau) Richards.

Throughout his life, Donn was known for his adventurous spirit and his passion for creativity and entrepreneurship which he channeled into his writing and fashion clothing stores. When a successful career in the NY City fashion industry ceased to fulfill his dreams, he became a renegade from corporate America and opened his own fashion boutiques, Gentleman's Affair in MA, and later Boston Ltd. in Key West.

His life-long penchant for telling stories (as he'd say "don't let the truth get in the way of a good story") eventually overpowered his entrepreneurial desires. He spent a large part of his life focused on his writing. He self-published 4 mystery novels and 1 poetry book. Donn has also lived in Boston, L.A., Miami, London, New England, North Carolina and Sarasota Florida. His warm-hearted nature and zest for life left a lasting impact on everyone he met.

Donn was a graduate of Western New England College with a BS in English Literature. He worked for Chess King and J.Riggings where he formed many close friendships. Most recently, he worked part time for Ringling Bros. Museum and Mote Marine in Sarasota, and you may have caught him selling his books by The Old Salty Dog or perhaps had a Yuengling with him at the bar. He will be missed by his OSD friends who became our extended family.

Memorial services for Donn will be held privately at a later date. His legacy of love, laughter, and adventure will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege to know him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Donn Fleming Memorial Fund to help our family continue the legacy of our beloved father’s work. Contributions can be made at https://everloved.com/life-of…

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