On Friday, October 30th, 2020 John Gleeson, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away at the age of 76 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was born in Dublin, Ireland to John and Kathleen (nee Bolton) Gleeson on 4 September 1944. Following a distinguished and eventful career with the Guinness Brewing Corporation, John moved to Milwaukee from his native Dublin in 1980. He earned a M.A. degree in Applied History and a M.F.A. in Film from the UW-Milwaukee. Already well known in Dublin as a speaker, raconteur and actor he put these traits to good use in his new home town of Milwaukee. He became a founding member of the Milwaukee Irish Arts, the Irish Cultural Heritage Centre and was director Emeritus of the Centre for Celtic Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As a cultural advisor to Milwaukee Irish Fest, his vision helped the festival grow to become the biggest Irish cultural gathering in the world.
His love of teaching shone at UWM where he taught courses in Irish language, culture, film, folk belief and religious practice. John also designed and coordinated study abroad programs in Ireland; the Colmcille Semester Abroad and the Oideas Gael Summer Program in Donegal. For over 20 years he also worked with Marquette University High School on a 'Irish Adventure' program that showcased Ireland to recently graduated students.
John was known for his quick wit, endless supply of anecdotes, his generous spirit and was regular contributor to print and broadcast media on Irish issues. John was voted 1993 “Irishman of the Year,” 2006 “Wisconsin Celtic Person of the Year” and is numbered among Irish America Magazine’s “Top 100” on a number of occasions.
John was preceded in death by his father, John, his mother, Kathleen and his brother, Dan. He is survived by his best friend and wife Meg,(nee Castino) his two children Flannan (Louise Kelly ) and Hannah (Jameson Picado) and was 'Daideo' to Peadar, Nora and Trinni. Survived by his brothers Francis and Oliver, sisters Mary, Rita, Catherine and Anne several brother and sister in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday November 6th at Cathedral of St. John’s the Evangelist. 812 North Jackson Street Milwaukee, WI 53202.
Due to COVID restrictions, attendance is very limited.
Donations in his honor may be sent to The Center for Celtic Studies at UW-Milwaukee.
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