In Loving Memory of Carissa Raquel Fleegle Forever Loved, Forever Remembered
The Winter Garden community, along with friends and loved ones across Pennsylvania and beyond, is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Carissa Raquel Fleegle, 52, whose life was tragically taken on Saturday, November 1, in a murder-suicide at her home on Broadwater Avenue. According to the Winter Garden Police Department, Carissa was found alongside her husband, Gary Robert Fleegle, 55, around 11:42 a.m.
This devastating event has left family, friends, and entire communities in a state of deep grief and disbelief. Gary Fleegle, a respected CEO from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, served as President of the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining. But today, the accomplishments and titles mean little—because what remains most impactful, most visible, and most deeply felt in this tragedy is the loss of Carissa: a beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend whose compassion and warmth reached far beyond her home.
Carissa was known for her gentle heart, her bright spirit, and her ability to make others feel seen and valued. Those who knew her remember her as someone who listened deeply, laughed fully, and cared endlessly. She was a nurturing presence—one who encouraged growth, healing, and joy in others. In times of hardship, she stood as a quiet source of strength. In times of celebration, she glowed with love and gratitude.
Her son, Bobby Fleegle, shared his grief publicly, offering words that reflect not only pain, but enduring love and remembrance.
“This tragedy that has rocked our world is not something easy to comprehend or explain. But I will say that in the time where darkness is at an all time high, my mother’s light is still proving to radiate and shine through.”
Those words echo in the hearts of all who knew Carissa. Even in loss, her light remains—in memories, in love, in the lives she touched.
A memorial service honoring Carissa will be held on November 12 in Johnstown, where family, friends, and community members will gather to mourn her passing, celebrate her life, and support one another as they navigate the difficult days ahead.
In response to the tragedy, a Meal Train was organized to support the Fleegle family, offering a way for others to help with meals, groceries, and gift card donations during this deeply painful time. It is a reminder that no one must walk through grief alone—and that love, even in sorrow, has the power to hold us together.
This is a loss that will take time to understand and even longer to heal from. There will be days of confusion, days of anger, days of loneliness—but also days where Carissa’s memory will feel close, comforting, and beautifully present. The story of her life did not end with this tragedy. Her story lives on in those who loved her and in the love she gave so freely.
As we honor Carissa’s memory, may we remember:
• Her kindness
• Her strength
• Her love
• The light she brought into a world that needs more of it
May her soul rest in peace, and may her family find comfort in knowing that she will always be remembered, always cherished, and always loved.
Carissa Raquel Fleegle
Gone too soon, but never forgotten.
