On Friday, February 10, 2023, the world lost a beautiful soul. Michael Staley Fleming Jr., age 49, of Darien, beloved husband of Adrienne Strouse Fleming, passed away. Michael was born in San Diego, CA on August 27, 1973 to Michael Fleming Sr. and Linda Peck Fleming of Norwalk, CT. Michael spent his early years living in Park City, Utah, where he developed a lifelong passion and skill for skiing while on the US Junior Olympic Ski Farm Team. At the age of 12, Michael moved with his family to Westport, CT where he continued to thrive and make wonderful friends. At Staples High School, he won the award for "kindest," an attribute he upheld for the rest of his days. He was the captain of the boys' ski team at Staples. He graduated from Colgate University in 1996 and moved to New York City in 1999, where he had a successful career in finance, mostly as an institutional broker, and continued to build beautiful friendships.

In 2011, Michael married the love of his life, Adrienne, and they welcomed three beautiful boys, Wyatt McCall, Ford Michael and Charles Morgan Fleming. While living in New York, Michael always said he wanted his boys to grow up in Darien, CT, and in 2020 they moved there. Michael's greatest joy was watching his sons grow and shine. He loved nothing more than teaching them how to ski and spending time with them in the mountains. Michael was his happiest and most at peace flying straight down a mountain on skis and he passed this passion on to his sons. They loved to chase his heels down the slopes, mimicking his every move so they could be just like him one day. His sons are, and forever will be, so proud of him. Skiing is the closest thing to having wings and we will never stop watching for Mikey in the sky. Hawk flying high means a clear sky, hawk flying low prepare for a blow.

Survivors, in addition to his wife and sons, include his parents, Michael and Linda Peck Fleming of Norwalk, sisters, Amy Fleming Kiggins (Andrew) of Rowayton, Ann Fleming of Norwalk, his cherished dog, Utah, and countless friends. Mike is predeceased by his father-in-law, Irving David Strouse of Rumson, NJ, and his grandparents, Edmund McCall and Jewel May Peck.

Michael will be remembered for his incredibly kind soul, his easy way of making others laugh, and his unwavering loyalty to his family and friends. He was a devoted husband and father, and his family was his every joy in this life. Michael will be terribly missed by all those who were fortunate to know him.

Calling Hours will be on Wednesday February 15, 2023 from 4 to 7 PM at the Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien. Mass will be at Saint Thomas More Church in Darien on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 10:30 AM.

"Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal," St. Thomas More.

Published by Darien Times on Feb. 14, 2023