WORCESTER-Kenneth “Ned” Fleming Jr., 65, passed away unexpectedly at his home
on Friday, October 18, 2024.
Kenny was born on November 25, 1958, in Worcester, MA, a son of the late Kenneth
Fleming Sr., and survived by his mother Elaine (Ewald) Kelley.
Kenny graduated from Grafton High School in 1977. He went right to work, working as a
tanker truck driver hauling bulk petroleum with his Uncle Dicky at E. Fleming Trucking.
From there, he moved on to Rosenfeld Concrete for over ten years. He then owned and
operated E. Kelley Trucking based in Hopedale, MA. until 1996. During this time, he
was a Teamsters, Local 170 member. For 20 years, he was a proud member of Local 4,
Operating Engineers, where he was a skilled mechanic and welder and a heavy
equipment operator on many major heavy civil projects, until his unexpected retirement
in 2017 after a motorcycle accident.
Kenny was a family man, always looking forward to holidays spent with his children and
grandchildren—especially Thanksgiving at his daughter Marissa's house. His family
admired his “heart of gold.” He was there for his loved ones no matter the situation,
willing to sacrifice anything for his family and friends. Kenny was also effortlessly funny,
constantly cracking jokes and making everyone laugh.
Kenny was always a “Mama’s Boy.” He and his mother, Elaine, had an undeniably
strong bond, recognized by all. They often got lost in conversation, whether in
agreement or not.
Kenny had a passion for American history and politics. He was an avid supporter of
Donald J. Trump and was very proud of his recent campaign. He loved motorcycles,
snowmobiling, driving trucks, and as his family says, “anything with an engine.” He
enjoyed trips up north to snowmobile, but most importantly to spend time with his two
boys: Sean and Eric. Another valued pastime of Kenny’s was cooking; his personal
touch will be included in family recipes for generations to come.
Kenny is survived by his loving mother, Elaine Kelley, three children, Sean Fleming and
his fiancé Erika Schiffer, Eric Fleming and his partner, Julia Connolly, and his daughter,
Marissa Dzivasen and her husband Chet; two brothers, Craig Fleming and his wife Amy,
Brian Fleming and his wife Diane; four grandchildren, Hallie and Chase Dzivasen,
Madelyn and Quinn Fleming; his former wife, Michelle (Duval) Fleming, many nieces
and nephews, and his beloved Uncle Kurt. Ken was predeceased by his brother, Steven
M. Fleming, and his stepfather, Richard Kelley.
Kenny will be dearly missed by all. His memory will be carried in our hearts forever.
Funeral services will be private; a later date will be provided to celebrate Kenny’s life.