Beryl Harper Fleming

Beryl Fleming, age 86, of Bel Air, Maryland passed away peacefully on January 27, 2024. Born on October 22, 1937, he was the son of the late Eunice Fleming and Herbert Fleming. He was married to Joanne Fleming for 27 years. Their marriage ended in divorce, but they remained friends until her passing in 2015. 

Beryl was preceded in death by his 4 siblings, who he misses very much to this day – Clara Orteza, Mary Farrington, Herbert Fleming and Becky Novotny. 

Beryl is survived by his 3 children, Kim Fleming, Rusty Fleming and wife Lisa, and Niki Fleming and his 3 grandchildren, Dan Fleming, Abby Tidmore and husband Zack, and Sean Fleming. He could not have been any prouder of his children and grandchildren. Beryl is also survived by nieces and nephews, Grace Orteza, Arsenio Orteza, Marcia Kane and Richard Novotny.  Barb Stroud was a great friend and companion to Beryl and his family over the years following his divorce. 

Beryl was born and raised in Fallston, Maryland. He graduated from Bel Air High School in 1955.  Beryl was a member of Fallston Presbyterian Church for many years until joining the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Harford County. He remained very active in the Unitarian fellowship and attended church weekly. He also maintained a special connection with Pastor Karin Walker of Fallston United Methodist church, through their shared love of running. He loved anyone who could run fast. 

He worked at the Harford County Detention Center for many years – retiring from there in 1999. 

He was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 28 years - always the first one to offer a ride or a hand or even a place to stay to someone in need. Attendance at AA meetings was important to him for his entire 28 years of sobriety. He met some wonderful friends through the fellowship. 

He was always a gifted athlete and active person.  He played baseball, soccer, and fast pitch softball until his early 40s. In later life he started running, biking and swimming. He was one of the first in the area to start the “running 50 miles on your 50th birthday” trend. He rode his bike outdoors until about 7 months ago. People marveled at the 85 year old man still riding his bike around town. He had a difficult time slowing down over these past 7  months. 

After he retired, he volunteered for many years at various places. He delivered for Meals on Wheels and drove for Senior Express.  He last delivered for Meals on Wheels about a month before he died. He also donated a significant amount of money to the State of Maryland through his love for scratch off lottery tickets.  He was also a nominee for the Harford County’s Most Beautiful People award in 2013.

He loved watching the Orioles and Ravens. He could actually sit and watch an entire baseball game and did so frequently this past season. He loved his Os. I think we are happy that he was spared the Ravens v. Chiefs game of January 28. 

He loved watching his grandchildren and their cousins, Manny Mastromanolis and Andrew Mastromanolis, play any sport that they decided to play – tennis, soccer, basketball, cross country – he rarely missed an event. He always made an impression on all of those around him. Beryl will be missed by many. He touched many lives through the years. He was truly one of a kind. 

Visitation will be held at Fallston United Methodist Church on Sunday, February 4, 2024, from 1-3 p.m., with a funeral service to be held at 3:00, followed by food and fellowship. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fallston Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 54, Fallston, MD 21047; Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Harford County, P.O. Box 535, Churchville, MD 21028-1529; or Fallston United Methodist Church, 1509 Fallston Road, Fallston, MD 21047.