Patrick John Fleming, age 68, of Troy, OH passed away on May 19, 2025 at Troy Care and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on January 13, 1957 in Troy, OH to the late John Edward and Shirlee Ann (Gibboney) Fleming.

He is survived by his siblings: Mary (Jeff) Christopher of Stuart, FL and Sheila (Jim) Patterson of Huber Heights, OH; nieces and nephew: Laura, Grace and Joshua; and great nephews: Logan and Liam.

He was a 1975 graduate of Miami East High School and attended Anderson College in Indiana. He was a lifelong member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Troy.

Patrick lived a rare and exemplary life. The first 20 years he displayed brilliance and uncanny wit by excelling scholastically as well as in music and drama. With his big, compassionate heart, and lighthearted personality, he made friends easily. He had one of his experiments chosen by NASA for SkyLab, and received superior ratings in music competitions and advanced testing done by Time Magazine and Miami University.

With college scholarships and professional opportunities beckoning, his future looked bright. But out of nowhere, an incurable mental illness stepped in to change the course of his life forever. Pat persevered and continued to tackle each new challenge with humor, hope, a positive attitude and unrelenting faith in God.

Pat always wanted to work and found jobs in Flagstaff, Arizona and Chicago, Illinois for short periods of time, but returned for good to his home in Troy. It was here that the community and St. Patrick's Church members embraced and helped him in times of need; so many kind souls that I could never express enough gratitude to all of you.

When Pat realized he could no longer live independently, he wisely went to Troy Care Center, where he has resided for the past 16 years. Despite his own mental and physical struggles, Pat became a self-appointed counselor for troubled residents, like the young man who lost his legs and power of speech after a terrible car accident. Pat spent time with him daily, reading the Bible and praying, and they soon developed their own language to communicate and share a friendship.

Pat knew all of the staff and residents by name, and loved to buy roses for the women who worked there. The folks at Trojan Florist know him well. His biggest accomplishment was becoming an official greeter for the nursing home; a job he took very seriously. Pat loved people and always knew how to brighten someone's day with a joke or wry observation.

My brother will forever be my hero, my Irish twin, my closest confidant, and the greatest example of courage, dignity and unrelenting trust in the Lord. He said my laughter was like music to him, and we shared many hours of deep conversation and lots of silly laughs.

Patrick had little of what we take for granted: physical and mental health, mobility, a spouse and children, a home of his own, material possessions, or a career. Yet he often said, "I'm so grateful for all of the blessings and loved ones in my life."

You taught us all unforgettable lessons, dear Bro. Now is your time to enjoy eternal peace and love. Yours was a life well-lived. We will love and remember you always.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Troy with interment to follow in Riverside Cemetery, Troy.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Soup Kitchen, Outreach for Animals, or Miami County Humane Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com

St. Patrick's Soup Kitchen
25 North Mulberry Street, Troy OH 45373

Outreach for Animals
PO Box 24114, Dayton OH 45424

Miami County Humane Society
P.O. Box 789, Troy OH 45373