Cornelius (Neil) Kaye Fleming, Jr., a resident of Dagsboro DE, was born on September 20, 1941, in Philadelphia PA. He died suddenly and peacefully surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at home.

Born to Dorothy (Aryton) and Cornelius Kaye Fleming, Sr. in Philadelphia, PA, Neil spent his formative years in the city as a hardworking student, paper boy, and playing stickball in the street with his friends. He embraced Sussex County as his home and community for the last half of his life. As a boy, he had lunch with President Harry Truman on a Boy Scout trip and played basketball in Philadelphia parks with Wilt Chamberlain, but you would seldom hear those stories from him because of his humility and strong, unassuming presence.

He married Regina "Jeannie" Bennett in 1964 and shared 60 years of marriage with her after having served in the United States Army. They went on to raise nine children and built a life filled with joy, fun, and adventures, but most of all with abounding love. Their marriage was a true example of living life together, as one, and living out their vows. A lifelong sports fan, Neil coached all of his children, and many others, in baseball, softball and basketball, as well as being an umpire and referee. After retirement, Neil spent much of his free time taking care of his grandchildren and having fun on the ballfield with his Olde Tymers Softball friends.

Neil was known for his exceptional kindness, generosity, loyalty, open mindedness, patience, and sense of humor. A devoted husband and father, he possessed a remarkable ability to forge lifelong friendships wherever he went. He never met a bank teller or postal worker he didn't like and could make conversation with anyone, making them feel comfortable and like they had known each other for years. He was old-fashioned in the sense that he did business in person and believed in your word and a handshake. His unwavering dedication to his family and community will leave an indelible mark on all who knew him. Neil's warm hospitality and generosity made his home a haven for all and sometimes included exchange students, nephews, or friends of his children who needed a welcoming place to call home for a while.

The void that Neil, Dad and Popcorn, as he was known to his family, leaves is indescribable and yet, the time he was here on earth is so appreciated and recognized as a true gift. He will be greatly missed and those who knew him will continue to benefit from having known a world class human.

Neil is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Jeannie Fleming, and his loving children: Colleen Fleming, Debbie Fleming (Philip Cappa), Karen Fleming, Brian Fleming, Kevin Fleming, Amy Hobbs (Joe), Monica Scott, Elizabeth Williamson, and Ann Marie Aguilar (Angel). He is also survived by Carlos Carnicero, an exchange student from Spain who, along with his son Eloi Carnicero, became part of the Fleming family. Additionally, Neil leaves behind his adoring grandchildren: Brian Beyard; Isaac Steinberg (Marisa); Jack, Charlie, Lucy and Max Williamson; Shona, Cyrus, Athena, Atticus Fleming- Lloyd, and Augustine Aguilar; Lily and Isabel Scott; Ruthie Adams; Naomi, Audrey and Joey Hobbs; and one great-grandchild, Siena Steinberg, who will forever cherish the memories of their beloved "Popcorn." He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Josephine Ann (Josie) Fleming-Lloyd.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Our Lady of Guadalupe (35318 Church Rd, Frankford, DE 19945) on March 22, 2024, from 10-11 AM, followed by a Mass at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests having a catch with a child, umpiring for your local little league, being open minded to someone who has opinions different from you, donating food or money to people or organizations that need it (ie; Habitat for Humanity), talking to strangers, taking your medicine, exercising, learning something new every day, laughing, reading the newspaper and books, doing your best, making the world a better place, and waking up early to appreciate the quietness and beauty of the morning.