Leo Bryan Gleason

1931 - 2011

Leo Bryan Gleason, of Clawson, died February 19, 2011, at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. He was 79 years old. Leo was born on December 8, 1931 in Elkhart, Illinois to parents Loretta Lee and Thomas Richard and was baptized Leo Bryan Gleason at St. Pat's Church in Elkhart on December 27, 1931. Leo graduated from Elkhart School and enlisted in the Armed Forces in 1948. He proudly served in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Korea from 1950 to 1952. While stationed within the territory of Korea, he performed his duties during combat operations. He returned home after his honorable discharge in 1952 and became a member of the National Guard in Michigan. Leo married Joyce Bennett on August 17, 1957 at St. James Catholic Church in Ferndale, and began a life together that spanned 54 years. He has been at resident of Clawson since 1963, raising their five children. Leo was a master carpenter and worked the last 17 years for Oakland County. He was a member of the American Legion Post 374 of Berkley, K. of C. Fr. Lynch Council 4188 of Clawson, and the Disabled American Veterans. He enjoyed watching his children grow up in a wonderful neighborhood with wonderful people. Leo loved hockey and his place up north, for 25 years, where he was an avid boater and loved having the family visit on the weekends. He will be most remembered as very kind, and most generous to everyone he met. Leo will be deeply missed by all those that knew and loved him. Mr. Gleason is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce; loving children, Kevin (Lynn) Gleason, Jeff (Beth) Gleason, T.J. (Tracy) Gleason, Marty (Laura) Gleason and Julie (Chris) Stefanski; 14 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and a new great-grandchild expected in May; brothers, John (the late Phyllis) Gleason and Frank (Rosemond) Gleason. Also many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by two sisters and four brothers. Funeral mass at Guardian Angels Church, 581 E. 14 Mile Road, Clawson, Tuesday 10:30 a.m. Friends may visit at church beginning at 10 a.m. Visitation at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (between 14-15 Mile Roads), Monday 2-9 p.m. Prayer service Monday evening. Interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield. Memorials to the American Legion Post 374, Berkley or K. of C. Fr. Lynch Council 4188 appreciated.