Obituary
Dick Gleason
Born March 8, 1938, in Bradford, he was the son of Stanley Merle and Ellen Veronica (Durnein) Gleason.
On August 18, 1962, in St. Francis Church he married Karen E. (MacDonald) Gleason who survives.
Dick was a 1956 graduate of St. Bernard High School.
Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1960.
In 1972, he and Karen began Gleason Distributing Company in Bradford working side by side for 33 years.
Upon retirement, he pursued one of his greatest pleasures, traveling throughout the United States to visit family and friends in their motorhome, which later became their home. Being a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, his greatest joy was spending time with his family. He loved traveling to attend many of their programs, events and games.
He was active in McKean Little League and Senior League Baseball, acting as coach for Derrick City for several years while his boys played ball. Dick was a member of the United States Trotting Association (USTA) for many years while owning harness race horses. He was a huge sports enthusiast who enjoyed watching football, basketball, and baseball.
He, along with his wife, served Meals on Wheels in Bradford and St. Augustine for more than 25 years. While residing in St. Augustine, they became involved in serving the homeless through their parish.
In addition to his wife of 50 years, he is survived by five children, Melissa (Parry) Tomlin, of Nanticoke, Marjorie (John) Sargent, of Erie, Greg (Sue) Gleason, of Bradford, Mollie (Mark) Ditsious, of Lafayette, La., and Steven (Meg) Gleason, of Bend, Ore.; 14 grandchildren, Nicole, Meghan, and Lindsey Tomlin; Courtney, Ryan, and Kyle Sargent; BriAnne, Isabella, and Travis Gleason, Nick Brown, Samantha and Jessica Behan; Hannah and Madeline Ditsious ; one great grandson, Caleb Tomlin; a brother, Fran Gleason and a sister, Marjorie Guthrie, both of Bradford and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Stanley M. Gleason, Jr. and James Gleason.
Friends are invited to call from 3-5 & 7-9 PM Monday, January 14, 2013 in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc., East Main Street where a prayer service will be held at 9:30 AM, Tuesday, January 15, 2013, followed by a 10 AM Mass of Christian Burial in St. Francis of Assisi Church, with Rev. Stephen Collins, pastor as celebrant. Committal services, military honors and burial will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, can be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
On line condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
.jpg)
Comments