Thomas John Fleck

Thomas John Fleck was born the only child of Norbert and Agnes Fleck on the 19th of December 1927 in Chicago, Illinois. Tom attended grade school at St. Mary’s and high school at St. Procopius. He was drafted in 1946 and served three years in the United States Air Force. He developed an interest in photography and received training through his service. His job involved loading cameras on bomber aircraft and developing the film. He completed his education by attending the University of Notre Dame for four years.

In the summer of 1950 he first met his future wife Nancy while trying to sell her bingo cards at a church bazaar in Westchester, Illinois. He continued courting her through 1953 when he graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Mechanical Engineering Degree. Following his graduation, Tom and Nancy got married on the 20th of June of the same year. As a couple, they decided Tom would accept a job offer from Consolidated Vultee Aircraft in San Diego which later became Convair, a division of General Dynamics.

Shortly after their marriage, they were blessed with their only daughter; Peggy followed by 4 sons; Michael, Paul, Stephen and John. Tom and Nancy were long-time active members of Blessed Sacrament Parish where their five children attended Blessed Sacrament School. He became a member of the Knights of Columbus and was the Finance Secretary for 6 years.

Tom worked at General Dynamics as a flight-test engineer for 34 years and retired at age 60. He spent his retirement with Nancy traveling both at home and abroad, taking bus tours and cruises with the Knights of Columbus and the Convair Alumni Association. He also belonged to the Convair Alumni Association Sailing Club and Bowling League.

After Nancy’s passing eleven years ago, his travel activities diminished as she was no longer there to share the experience. He filled his time instead by hosting family gatherings at his home, attending family events and helping out with family projects. He always has been the true provider of love and support for our family.

Tom is survived by his four children, eleven grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.