Donald L. Gleckner

GLECKNER, Donald L.
A resident of Southport, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, October 17, 2007 at St. Joseph's Hospital at the age of 82. Born on January 30, 1925 in Sayre, PA, Donald was the son of Roy & Lorna Rose Gleockner. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Margaret Hakes Gleckner and their children, Stephanie Leupelt, Elmira; Donna Gleckner, Southport; Joel Gleckner, Southport; Tracy & Thomas Wichtowski, Wellsburg; Leslie & Bradley Sullivan, Southport; grandchildren, Carrie, Kenny and Rebecca Leupelt; Angela, Mitchell and Justin Gleckner; Jacob and Matthew Wichtowski; Taylor Boyd; and Alana Sullivan; six great grandchildren; a sister, Joann West, Sayre, PA; brothers, David (Janice) Gleockner, Waverly; and Thomas Gleockner, Elmira Heights; as well as many nieces, nephews and family friends. Donald worked as a machinist at American LaFrance in Elmira, for 30 years. His interests included reading, Revolutionary War history and visiting Civil War Battlefields, playing golf and Euchre. In serving his country, Donald was a United States WW II Navy Veteran serving in the Pacific from 1943 - 1945. He was in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippines Sea, Battle of Tara Wa and the Battle of Okinawa. He and his fellow crew received the Presidential Unit Citation on the USS Cabot for their outstanding service. Don was proud to have met the now famous wartime photographer, Ernie Pyle. In addition, he also admired Admiral William "Bull" Halsey and Andy Rooney. In addition to his parents, Donald was predeceased by his brothers, Richard and Otis Gleockner. Family and friends will be received at Caywood's Funeral Home & Gardens, 1126 Broadway, Southport on Sunday, October 21, 2007 between the hours of 1-3 p.m. Funeral services will be held privately with interment in Tioga Point Cemetery with full military honors accorded. Memorials may be directed to the Chemung County ARC, 711 Sullivan St. Elmira, NY 14901 in his memory.