John, Suzanne, Jack, & Andrew Fleming

John T. Fleming, his wife, Suzanne, and their sons John “Jack” and Andrew were onboard the plane that went down last week over Lake Erie off the Cleveland shoreline. Sue and John were high school sweethearts, 1989 graduates of Boardman High School, and 17-year residents of Greater Columbus. By all accounts, they were loved and admired by family and friends in their business, community, school, neighborhood, and home town circles.

Survivors include John’s loving parents, John W. and Judy, sister Liz, brother-in-law Jeff Grdic, nieces Lily and Kate Grdic, as well as Sue’s loving parents, Robert and Carol Armeni, sister Kari (Joe) DePizzo, brother Rob (Alyssa) Armeni, sister Laura (Erik) Luca, nephews Christopher (fiance Kristen) and Patrick DePizzo, and Nicholas, Vincent, and Vito Armeni, and nieces Maria and Maddie Luca, along with many, many friends.

John was born December 30, 1970, in Youngstown. He was a 1993 magna cum laude graduate of Wake Forest University, a CPA, and a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. In his nearly 30-year career with Superior Beverage Group and the beverage distribution industry, John rose to the highest levels of leadership, becoming President and Chief Executive Officer. Likewise, in his community, he was an active leader and volunteer in many charitable endeavors. Above all, he was a family man.

Sue was born September 22, 1970, in Youngstown.  She graduated from Youngstown State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She was a passionate advocate and supporter of JDRF, the leading funder of type 1 diabetes research. While active on many fronts, Sue was devoted primarily to raising her two boys. Her pride and joy was her role as wife, mother, and daughter.

Jack was born June 20, 2001, in Columbus.  A sophomore at Olentangy Liberty High School, he excelled in the classroom as a 4.0 honor student and was extremely popular among his peers. He enjoyed golf, basketball, snow skiing, and especially playing touch football with his friends. He loved Ohio sports – the Browns, Indians, Cavaliers and Buckeyes, attending all Ohio State home football games. Jack was an outstanding young man who dedicated his life to helping his brother. He was Andrew’s eyes, his constant companion, and best-ever big brother.

Andrew was born July 15, 2002, in Columbus. He attended Ohio State School for the Blind in Columbus, where he participated on the track and swim teams. He also enjoyed playing baseball in the Miracle Baseball League and competing in Special Olympics. He joined in the Juvenile Diabetes walk alongside all those there to support him. He too was an avid sports fan, and his favorite teams were the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Cavaliers.  Always the jokester, he was known for his wonderful sense of humor. His faithful service dog, Sandy, was always at his side.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mid-Ohio JDRF, 100 Old Wilson Bridge Road, Suite 118, Worthington, Ohio 43085, or to the American Red Cross Cleveland Chapter, 3747 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44115, or to a charity of choice.

Services for the family will take place both in the Youngstown and Columbus areas.

Friends may call Sunday, January 8, from 3-6 pm at the Canfield Presbyterian Church, 140 W. Main Street, Canfield, Oh., 44406 where a memorial service will be held Monday, January 9, at 11:00 AM at the church.

Memorial services will be held in Columbus on Tuesday, January 10, at 4:00 PM at the Liberty Presbyterian Church, 7080 Olentangy River Road, Delaware, Oh., 43015. Please visit www.schoedinger.com for condolences and additional information.