Edward Stewart Fleming, who had lived in Needham for more than a decade, died of cancer on August 7 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham, after a very brief illness. He was 65 years old. Mr. Fleming was born in Boston on January 30, 1938, and grew up in Wellesley Hills. He graduated from Noble and Greenough School in Dedham in 1956 and from Harvard College, cum laude, in 1960. His thesis, “The Image of Man and the Image of Nature in the prose of Herman Melville” began a fascination with Melville and his work that lasted throughout his life. Although he worked briefly as a social worker at the Metropolitan State Hospital, he devoted his life to writing and scholarly pursuits. He explored the roots of Christianity and studied in great detail the writing of the first century Jewish historian Josephus. Mr. Fleming is survived by his brothers Donald of Needham and Robert of New York City, his sister Shirley Woodward of Gilford NH; eight nieces and nephews, a grand niece, and his devoted friend Jeanette Latimer of Needham. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 23 at the Christ Episcopal Church 1132 Highland Avenue Needham. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be sent to Noble and Greenough School 10 Campus Drive, Dedham MA 02026 or to the Unitarian Church of Wellesley Hills, 309 Washington Street Wellesley Hills Ma 02481.