The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown is mourning the passing of a Huntingdon County pastor.
The Very Reverend Joseph W. Fleming passed on November 10, 2025, at the Presbyterian Home in Hollidaysburg following an extended illness. He was 76 years old.
Father Fleming was born on February 5, 1948, in Altoona, the son of William and Theonas (Kettl) Fleming and attended Saint Matthew School in Tyrone, Saint James School in Orlando, Florida, Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School in Altoona, Saint Francis College and Seminary in Loretto.
He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown on May 4, 1974.
His early assignments included Holy Name Parish in Ebensburg, Saint Peter Parish in Somerset, and Saint Joseph Parish in Portage.
He served as Pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Snow Shoe, Saint Augustine Parish in Dysart, Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish in Ashville, and Saint Monica Parish in Chest Springs.
In 2014, Father Fleming was appointed Pastor of Saint Catherine of Siena Parish in Mount Union and Saint Mary Parish in Shade Gap, an assignment he held until his passing.
At the time of his passing, Father Fleming was also the Vicar Forane, or Dean, of the diocese’s Northern Deanery, which includes Centre, Clinton, and Huntingdon Counties.
Despite his declining health in recent years, Father Fleming opted to not retire at the age of 75, the customary priest retirement age, and chose to continue his ministry as Pastor and Dean.
“I am grateful to Father Fleming for his dedication to the priesthood and his desire to lovingly serve God’s people despite his health challenges,” said Bishop Mark. “I pray the Lord welcomes Father Fleming into His Heavenly Kingdom, and I extend my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Fleming family, to Father Fleming’s brother priests, and to the parishioners of the Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Mary faith communities.”
Viewing and funeral arrangements are pending.
