Edward Fleischman

Edward Donald Fleischman, 80, of Windsor, Colorado, passed away peacefully at home on March 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Ed was born on June 2, 1945, in Wellsville, New York, to Edward and Virginia Fleischman. Ed graduated from Belmont Central High School on June 21, 1963. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Navy on September 24, 1963, committing four years of his life to serving his country. He was honorably discharged on September 15, 1967. His time in the Navy instilled in him a discipline and sense of duty that guided him throughout the rest of his life. During his service, Ed received specialized training in electronics, radar systems, radio electronics, and naval air technology — a foundation that proved invaluable throughout his post-military career and fueled a lifelong passion for fixing, building, and figuring out how things worked.

Following his service in the United States Navy, Ed began his civilian career at Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, New York, in the fall of 1967, where his technical background found a natural home.

On April 4, 1970, Ed married Michele Ann Rice in Belmont, New York, beginning a partnership that would span more than five decades. Together, Ed and Michele built their family with the arrival of daughters Jennifer and Julie.

After several years in Rochester, Ed’s career brought the family an exciting new chapter when Kodak expanded operations to Windsor, Colorado. The family relocated and settled in Fort Collins, which they called home for the next 23 years. It was during these years that Ed and Michele welcomed their nephew Darren into their home, embracing him as one of their own. His presence enriched the family in ways that left a lasting mark on all of them, and the bond formed during those years never wavered. In the years that followed, the family put down deep roots in northern Colorado before Ed and Michele ultimately made Windsor their final home.

Ed took tremendous pride in his craftsmanship, and his handyman skills were legendary among those who knew him — there was no project too complicated and no request for help he would turn away. Friends and family knew they could always count on Ed when something needed repairing, and he took quiet pride in being the one people called. Over the years he also enjoyed hunting, softball, golf, bowling, skiing, camping, baseball and travel, always bringing the same enthusiasm and good humor that defined everything he did.

Ed retired from Kodak in 1998 after more than three decades of dedicated service. In retirement, he remained as busy as ever, taking on numerous positions putting his lifelong handyman skills to good use — never happier than when he had a project in front of him. Yet perhaps the greatest joy of his retirement years came in the form of his grandchildren. Ed embraced that role with the same enthusiasm he brought to everything else—riding around the golf course with them, taking them fishing and camping, going to Rockies games, and patiently passing along the crafts and skills he had spent a lifetime perfecting. He also made cherished trips to North Carolina to visit daughter Julie and granddaughter Delaney, trips he and Michele looked forward to. These were the years Ed seemed to shine brightest — surrounded by the people he loved most.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Michele Ann Fleischman; daughters Jennifer Fleischman and Julie Loeck; nephew Darren Brooks (Peggy); sister Lynn Graffrath; brother Jim Fleischman (Barb); and grandchildren Jacob, Luke, and Maya, children of Jennifer, and Delaney, daughter of Julie. Ed is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Virginia Fleischman, and his sister, Ann DeRue.

Rather than a traditional service, a celebration of Ed’s life will be held in the summer of 2026. Details will be announced by the family.