Obituary Francis Gleason

Francis E. "Nut" Gleason Sr., a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, 85, of 36 Rockland Ave., passed away, Thursday, April 9, 2015, at the Olean General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born March 4, 1930, in Olean he was a son of the late Stanley M. and Ellen (Durnein) Gleason, Sr.

On December 26, 1953 in St. Francis Church he married Nancy (Young) Gleason who survives.

Mr. Gleason was a 1948 graduate of St. Bernard High School. After high school he worked for Denning Construction. On April 4, 1951 he enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean War. On January 11, 1953 he was honorably discharged as a Corporal. He returned to Bradford and worked for Denning construction again until he and his brother, Stanley purchased the company and renamed it S.M. Gleason & Company. Fran served as vice president for several years. The company built many projects in the surrounding Bradford area. Fran was well known for his bricklaying skills. One of his proudest accomplishments was the construction of the W.R. Case emblem on the Case building. He also laid the bricks in Veteran's Square.

Mr. Gleason was a member of St. Bernard Church, the Knights of Columbus, Pine Acres Country Club, and the Brick Layer's & Allied Local #9 of PA.

He was an avid golfer and sports fan, and especially enjoyed going to his son's and grandchildren's sporting events. He was named "Rambler Booster" of the year in 1979. He along with his wife Nancy enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida.

In addition to his wife Nancy of 61 years, he is survived by four sons Donald (Jill) Gleason of Bradford, Francis (Ginny) Gleason, Jr, of Crown Point, IN, William (Kelly) Gleason, and Joseph Gleason all of Bradford, one sister, Marjorie (Robert) Guthrie of Bradford, seven grandchildren, Michael Gleason, Kate Gleason, Lindsay Sherman, AJ Gleason, Christie Gleason, Courtney Gleason, and Francis E Gleason III, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, James Gleason, Stanley M. Gleason, Jr and Richard Gleason.

Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am on Saturday, April 18, 2015, in St. Bernard Church with Rev. Raymond Gramata, pastor as Celebrant. Full Military Honors will be accorded after Mass at the Church. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to charity of the donor's choice.

On line condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

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