Robert A. Glasner

1948 - 2022

GLASNER

ROBERT A. GLASNER

Robert A. Glasner of Baltimore County, Maryland was born on April 15, 1948 in San Francisco, California, and passed away on August 28, 2022 at home, leaving a legacy of service, sacrifice, and generosity. Bob is survived by his wife, Dana Vickers Shelley, whom he married in 2003, his three children, Chad Anthony Glasner, Michael Colin Glasner (Natalia Poliakova), and Sammy Jean Hutcheson (James Patrick); siblings James Charles Glasner (Mary Kay), Karen Lakata (Stephen), and Susan Fowler (Larry).



Growing up in San Francisco's East Palo Alto neighborhood, Bob enjoyed reading, listening to music, going to the movies with his mother, and Friday nights watching "The Twilight Zone" with his brothers while sharing candy treats. His jobs as CEO of "Bobby's Lawn Mowing Service" at 12-years-old, and Saturday shifts at Ravenswood Hardware launched his lifelong strong work ethic.



Bob joined the U.S. Marines on June 16, 1966, reporting to Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in San Diego later that month, and transferring in September to Camp Pendleton for Advanced Training as a 0311 Rifleman and preparation for deployment to Vietnam. He arrived in country on January 28, 1967, as a member of the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Division, ("Suicide Charley" Company).



Wounded in combat twice, Bob was transported from Vietnam on May 25, 1967. He was treated for grave wounds on the historic hospital ship, USS Sanctuary, and returned to his family's new home in Northern Virginia. Bob completed his service at Quantico Marine Base as a munitions/demolition instructor. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant (E-5) on July 6, 1972, having been awarded: the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation awarded to the 1st Marine Division, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Color), and Rifle Expert Badge, among other commendations.



Bob managed a gas station and a sporting goods store in Fairfax, Virginia, before joining the U.S. Postal Service. Successfully completing an advanced training program in purchasing in 1990, Bob was promoted to procurement and policy roles at USPS' Washington, DC headquarters. His performance was recognized multiple times at USPS, including: Vice President's Award for Exceptional Performance and Superior Contribution. Bob retired from USPS in 2004 as a program analyst.



Once retired, Bob mentored younger generations of 1/7 Marines and other combat-wounded veterans as they healed and addressed challenges in their post-military lives. Bob shared his experiences as a path for his own healing while supporting these younger men through theirs.



Bob trained and proudly completed the Marine Corps Marathon in 1988. Besides running, his passions included books about U.S., world, and military history, politics, thrillers, and novels. He loved music across every genre.



Special memories of him include taking Sammy to see Alan Jackson in concert, Virginia Beach trips with Mike, talking history with Chad, front-row seats at Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight concerts with Dana, and reunions with his USMC and Navy Corpsmen "brothers."



Bob's love for his children expanded with the birth of his grandchildren Bailey Jane and James Hayes Hutcheson, as he was thrilled to be their devoted "Pop-Pop." Shortly before his death, Bob welcomed a third grandchild, Salvatore "Totò" Martin Glasner, born on August 17, 2022.



The oldest child of Marvin and Fay Marie (Campbell) Glasner, Bob was predeceased by his parents and youngest brother Gary Steven Glasner.



In addition to his immediate family, Bob's memory will be cherished forever by his beloved extended family including nieces and nephews, 1/7 Marines and Naval Corpsmen combat brothers, and former USPS colleagues.





A Memorial Service for Robert A. Glasner will be held on the Marine Corps Birthday, Thursday, November 10, 2022, Family Hour 10 a.m.; Service 11 a.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1500 Ninth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. Bob will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with military honors on January 23, 2023.



In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in memory of Robert A. Glasner to the Semper Fi Fund, a national organization that supports Marines, veterans, and military families after critical injury or illness. (thefund.org/donate)