Leslie Fleischer

November 20, 2021. Les was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised by his parents Edith and Hyman Fleischer. He had a passion for life, knowledge, education, music and the arts. He was a talented musician, known well for teaching and being a virtuoso pianist. He provided piano inspiration and lessons to many students over the years. In his spare time he also volunteered at the Charles George Veterans Hospital (VA Medical Center) where he interviewed many veterans and helped them narrate/record wartime stories as well as their life experiences. He also had many other interests including writing poetry, marble crafting and knife making. He volunteered at the WNC Nature Center/Zoological Park, helping with the preservation of wolves. Les was an advocate of higher education. He attended Midwood high school in Brooklyn, New York. He then attended Columbia University where he obtained his bachelor's degree and earned his master’s degree from New York University. He graduated from the Manhattan School of Music as well. Additionally, Les pursued other academic endeavors and mentored gifted and talented children. In his ongoing pursuit of further education, he went back to school later in life and received a Masters of Public Administration degree from Western Carolina University when he was close to 70 years of age.

Les met and married Fonda Rothblatt in 1963. They were married for close to 20 years and raised a beautiful family with two sons, Randall and Steven Fleischer. Being an honest, kind and dependable father was of the utmost importance to Les. He supported and shared in his son Randall’s passion for railroading, parks and preservation. Les and Steven shared their passion for music, nature, the arts and the love of animals. Les remarried later in life to Palma. Palma and Les were married for 32 years and enjoyed their life in North Carolina. Together, they did much to help their local community, including volunteering for Meals on Wheels and providing musical performances for various members of the community. Les Fleischer is survived by his wife, Palma, her daughter Eileen Wood, and predeceased by Palma’s late son Michael Thompson. Les is also survived by his son Randall, wife Linda and their children/his grandchildren Justin and Rachel, and by his son Steven and partner Joni Savago.

Please contact I.J. Morris Funeral Home for further details on funeral service.