Peter "Pete" Cornish Fleming

With love and gratitude for a life well-lived, we share the passing of Peter Cornish Fleming, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Pete passed away peacefully on December 3, 2024, surrounded by the family he cherished.

Born in New Jersey on April 30, 1935, to Lilyn Cornish and Peter Baldwin Fleming, Pete built a life defined by love, integrity, and generosity. Pete was a lifelong learner, graduating from Williams College, where he remained deeply connected to his alma mater, rarely missing a reunion, and supporting the school throughout his life. Pete graduated with Honors in Economics and went on to earn his CLU. After college, he embarked on a fulfilling 34-year career with Prudential Insurance Company, moving from New Jersey to Pittsburgh, then Boston, and finally returning to New Jersey as Vice President of Northeastern Group Operations. Retirement marked the beginning of a new chapter—he was founder and President of Financial Security Insurance Agency for another decade, always embracing new challenges with enthusiasm.

Pete’s true passion lay in giving back. He poured his energy into the causes and communities he loved, serving as Board of Trustees President of The Bonnie Brae School in NJ, a board member of the YMCA, and board member and dedicated supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head. He also played an active role in the Hilton Head Orchestra and served as President of the Severance Lodge Club in Maine. Perhaps nowhere was his heart more at home than Lovell, Maine, where he spent more than 60 summers, always seeking ways to give back to the town that meant so much to him.

Pete loved to travel the world, fascinated by different cultures and people. He was an avid reader, loved music, but more often could be found working in his gardens, which he did right up to the end.

Above all, Pete’s greatest joy was his family. He was the beloved husband of Cary for nearly 62 years and the proud father of Betsy Fleming Macpherson (Macky) of Summit, NJ, and Peter Fleming (Casey) of Yarmouth, ME. He was an adoring grandfather to Max, Jamie, Cooper, and Katie Macpherson, and Lia and Riley Fleming. He was predeceased by his grandson, Jacob Fleming, who remained forever in his heart.

Pete’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering generosity left a lasting imprint on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he nurtured, and the communities he helped strengthen. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered. 

A Celebration of Life honoring Pete will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025 at 1:00pm at All Saints Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head, a cause that Pete held especially dear.

Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head, P.O. Box 22267 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925.