Father Michael Peter Gleeson

When I was 15 I signed up to get a penpal from a foreign country. I was very fortunate to receive Michael's name but I don't think he was very excited. He was several years older than I was and already attending University, but he politely wrote me back. Luckily, I was an avid reader and we found we had much we could share. He quite enjoyed it when I thought that his father had something to do with book publishing when he told me his father was a bookmaker. Actually I figured it...

To Fr Gleesons family, He married us almost 39 years ago next month, and buried both of my parents. We live out of state now, but when we came home to California we always looked to see him. We were on our way to mass today at St Cornelius when we discovered his passing. Our hearts are broken. What a wonderful, lovely, devoted man and a real servant of God. He served us in so many ways throughout our years. Rest In Peace, Fr Gleeson. We will truly miss you but are grateful you are in Heaven...

Father Mike,
I am so heartbroken finding out about your passing. Words cannot describe how much of an angel you were in my life when I needed one. I remember the first time we met and we sat/talked for almost two hours. Instantly I felt a fatherly connection to you. You were like my dad I never had. We shared our experiences and stories of our lives only to find out we had so much in common. I cannot thank you enough and I will miss you greatly. Thank you and I hope you're watching...

Thank you Father Mike. You will be missed but we know we will still receive your guidance from heaven. Please give Mom a hug. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Fr. Mike was a wonderful pastor and priest. He was very, very kind, generous and compassionate. He will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to his family and many friends.

Fr. Mike was a great priest. He was a great listener and counselor. His warm smile made everyone feel welcome. My and my familys lives are so much richer for having him in them. He left us much too soon. We love him and will forever miss him. Our deepest condolences to his family and our gratitude for sharing him with us.

May you enjoy sharing jokes and puns in heaven, beloved pastor.

My time with Father was too short. We were only acquainted about 3 years ago when he was my priest, the head of the church. Then he became my client. Then Father became my advisor on family matters. And finally, last year, Father Mike was my friend. There are very few people as extraordinary as Father Mike. He was witty, fun, and one of the most generous and loving people Ive ever come across. Its hard to imagine St. Cornelius without him. May we always have Father Mikes spirit in us so we...