Russell Dexter Gleason

It was a beautiful Beaufort South Carolina, Saturday afternoon, on 29 April 2023, when the most generous, loving, open-minded and adventurous man, Russell Dexter Gleason, joined his beloved wife in Heaven. His kind demeanor never knew a stranger, he welcomed each neighbor who passed by with a firm wave and he exuded positivity and creativity.

It was a snowy day, 20 February 1934, in Winchendon MA when a precocious, fiery red-haired boy with a feisty personality was born. Russ always had an entertaining and community-minded spirit. He enjoyed dancing and playing the accordion. He spent many summers as a camper, counselor and swim instructor at the YMCA’s Camp Wiyaka. His dedication earned him Camper of the Year. His love for wood started as teenager. He purchased his first tool, a lathe, foregoing a class trip. He graduated from Fitchburg State College with a Teaching Certificate in Industrial Arts. But he quickly learned teaching was not his thing.

It was his comradery with the YMCA’s, “Johnnie” Johnstone that Russ found out he was Number 2 on the draft board. He was told “if you want anything other than Infantry,” he needed to take action. Wearing glasses eliminated him from being a Helicopter Pilot but being a stronger swimmer gave him a position with lots of opportunity and much more, Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Underwater Diver. Off to Officer Candidate School he went and the next 24 years, he forged respected relationships within the Pentagon and Seals, participated in the Bay of Pigs, Cuban Missile Crisis and Viet Nam, had command of 2 “Brown Water” Naval Units (Boat Support Unit 1 and Coastal River Division 22) and led several Reserve Units. In 1980, with his bride having her “Little Brick House”, with a phone call he let his superiors know it was time for him to retire as Captain Russell D Gleason.

After retiring from the USN, Russ went to work for his wife. Actually, it was a joint venture for the two of them called Gene’s Bicycle and Lawnmower Shop. Together they ran the small engine and bicycle repair shop for 20 years and mentored their young employees.

In 1969, he was invited to join an organization that built on his philanthropic heart, Rotary International. In 54 years, he led many projects, sponsored many memberships, mentored new clubs, served as club president, district governor and served on many district committees. There were also many international conventions and conferences lending away for some adventurous travel opportunities.

The City of Lakewood gained a volunteer of 20 plus years where Russ made new friendships and a connection with Lakewood Cider Days. To this day, his own cider press sits with those used during the October event.

Family time was a priority. Family dinners were not to be missed. Weekends were spent seeing and experiencing the communities where the Gleasons lived. Summer Road trips to visit extended family were his favorite. If a baseball stadium was near, you could bet the Gleason tribe would be in attendance. He made sure the family created memories and not “stuff.”

Those still here on earth to celebrate Russ’s life are his daughter, Ruthe D Gleason, son, Robert D Gleason and his grandkids, Brian P McNamee and Chelsea R Gleason, great-grandson, Carter R Rogers and travel companion/sister-in-law, Joyce Haried. There are many family members in Vermont, Florida, Georgia, California, Colorado and Missouri who will miss Russ as well.

Come celebrate, with us, the life of Russell Dexter Gleason on Saturday, 12 August 2023 at his home, 14129 West Center Drive, Lakewood CO 80228 between 1-4pm. Donations to the Rotary Foundation or planting of a tree at alivingtribute.org are his request in lieu of flowers.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carolinamemorial.com for the Gleason family.