Author Tom Fleming
By Ray O’Hanlon
The death has taken place of novelist and historian Thomas Fleming, one of the most prolific Irish Americans writers of the past half century.
Mr. Fleming, who died peacefully at his home in New York City, was 90.
A New Jersey native, Mr. Fleming served in the U.S. Navy in World War II and graduated with a degree from Fordham University after the war.
After several years in journalism, he turned to full time book writing and used that time well, penning over forty books in a distinguished writing career that saw him write 23 novels, including the bestselling “The Officers’ Wives,” and 25 books on American history.
“Duel: Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and the History of America” was one of his history works that was particularly acclaimed.
Fleming served as president of the Society of American Historians and the PEN American Center. He also spent ten years as chairman of the New York American Revolution Round Table and was an honorary member of the New York State Society of the Cincinnati.
Mr. Fleming contributed to the Irish Echo on several occasions over the years, the last time in 2015.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Alice, four children, grandchildren and his wider family. A memorial Mass will take place today, Wednesday, 10 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 411 East 68th Street in Manhattan. A memorial service will be held in the fall.
