John David Gleason

John David Gleason passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2017. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Patricia Gleason, their 8 children (Asha, Ann, Ellie, Mara, Rooni, Kara, Bob, and Mike), 19 grandchildren (Bridgette, Lisa, Nakiesha, Chris, Kati, Dani, Laura, Bryan, Laoise, Kali, Susan, Hanna, Micah, Farley, Esther, John Henry, Hiram, Georgia, David), and 4 great-grandchildren (Hasley, Shaw, Isaac, and Cole). He was a devoted and steadfast provider who taught the value of loyalty, generosity, and a good belly laugh. John was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the youngest of Cornelius and Bernadette Gleason's four children. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force where he received commendation for his tenacity and efficiency. Later, he worked as a Human Resources and Compensation Director for companies such as Honeywell and Texas Instruments; retiring from Bell Helicopter in 1994. John, Pat, and family lived in Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, eventually settling in Arlington, Texas in 1979. They formed lasting friendships and community all along the way. John was a dedicated Catholic and member of the St. Maria Goretti parish, where he sang his heart out in the choir and tirelessly - even shamelessly - hawked tickets to church benefits for more than 30 years. He was deeply committed to the Pro Life cause through volunteer work, prayer, and organizing to provide resources for unwed mothers and unborn children. For all his diligence, John was punny and playful to the core. He loved to entertain company, dance the jitterbug, tell stories and jokes, listen to big band music, play bridge and contract rummey, do crosswords puzzles, and watch Wheel of Fortune. He also enjoyed sports: football, baseball, golf, and sometimes even basketball. He had profound admiration for Hank Aaron and Vince Lombardi, with quotes and stats always at the ready. And his jump-dive off the board into the pool never failed to impress. John Gleason was beloved; a man cherished by family and friends. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. Visitation: Friday, May 19 at Wade Funeral Home 6-8pm, rosary at 7pm Funeral Mass: Monday, May 22 at St. Maria Goretti 11am Those wishing to honor his memory may make a donation to Texans for Life Coalition (www.texlife.org)