PEN America is saddened by news of Thomas Fleming’s passing and extends condolences to his family and friends. A noted historian, novelist, and former president of PEN America, this loss will be felt throughout the writing community.
Mr. Fleming is the author of dozens of novels and history books, including biographies of Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, and a widely-acclaimed account of the Burr-Hamilton conflict, Duel: Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr and the Future of America. Though he is known for his bestseller The Officers’ Wives, his early novels were set closer to home, amongst the Irish-American community of his native Jersey City.
Mr. Fleming served on the Board of Trustees from 1970 to 1984, and was President of PEN America from 1971 to 1973. As president, he was instrumental in the growth of the organization and the development of ties with other PEN centers and writers overseas. After serving as president and on the board, Mr. Fleming remained active in the Freedom to Write committee.
Mr. Fleming is survived by his wife Alice Mulcahey Fleming, their four children, Alice, Thomas, David, and Richard, and seven grandchildren.