David Gleason

Rev. David Thomas Gleason of Evergreen, CO passed away peacefully at his home on June 18, 2018 after a long illness. He was 94 years old. David is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janice Evelyn Clise, his three children, Thomas David Gleason of Evergreen, CO, Veronica Jean (Steven) Gindes of Brookeville, MD and Melinda Ann (Bart) Sperry of Evergreen, CO; his four grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jason, Alexa and Joshua; and his two great-grandchildren, Levi and Daisy, one brother, Peter Gillis Gleason of Matthews, NC and sister-in-law’s, Emily Gleason, of Ann Arbor, MI and Nancy Gleason, of Rochester, NY. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold Allen and Marion (Norris) Gleason and brothers, Alan Harold Gleason and Charles Norris Gleason. David was born on November 5, 1923 in Rochester, NY. He attended the University of Virginia until his education was cut short by WWII. David entered the U.S. Army and served four years in the signal corps. He served in the China-Burma-India Theater, often flying with his brother Charles, who was a pilot. He served at the end of the war in Japan and was honorably discharged in December 1946, reaching the rank of First Lieutenant. Upon returning from military service, David resumed his studies and received his B.A. degree from the University of Rochester. While working at General Electric, David became deeply involved in volunteer work at Grace Episcopal Church in Syracuse, NY, which led to his entering the Seabury-Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. He was ordained an Episcopal priest in December 1952 in the Diocese of Rochester. David served as an assistant rector at Trinity Church in Geneva, NY and in 1956 with his new bride Janice, he moved to Maryland to become rector of St. Matthew’s Church in Seat Pleasant, MD in the Diocese of Washington. In 1965, David became Chaplain and instructor at St. John’s Parish School in Olney, MD and assistant to the rector at St. John’s Church. In 1969, God led the way to a new path for David when he became assistant pastor at Rossmoor – Leisure World Interfaith Chapel in Silver Spring, MD. Shortly after, he became senior pastor and served there until his retirement in 1990. During his tenure, he presided over the growth of the Interfaith Chapel which included the construction and dedication of the current worship building in 1978 and its later expansion in 1985. Following his retirement, David continued to officiate at various churches by request in the Delaware and Maryland area as well as preside over baptisms, weddings and funerals. Along with his abiding faith in God and serving his community and parishioners, David enjoyed the piano, often playing (and singing) at his services, flying, dancing with his wife Janice, camping with his family, Ham radio (K3OBK) and staying connected to his military friends in the Old China Hands Net radio group. He was devoted to his family and cherished the time spent during his life at the family farm in Naples, NY. David’s personal faith in his Lord was revealed constantly to anyone who came in contact with him. This was the core of his ministry. David’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the family of nurses and personal care provided by Mount Evans Hospice so David could remain at home during his illness. Per David’s wishes, a military honors service is scheduled for May 20, 2019 at 9:00 am. at Fort Myer Old Post Chapel, with interment at Arlington National Cemetery.