Bernard A. Gleason

Dr. Gleason was one of my first professors (~1997); i enrolled at LBCC in 1996. i entered higher education in my 30's after graduating from high school with a D+ average (1.97 GPA).
Dr. Gleason was an incredible professor; while i truly enjoyed each professor, Dr. Gleason stood out as one of my absolute favorites. his energy was infectious; he was always smiling, humorous, articulate, thoughtful, professional, engaged, and intelligent. Dr. Gleason had many positive attributes yet, was humble.
you knew he wanted us to learn, and that he wanted to be in class with us.
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Dr. Gleason helped me in subtle and not subtle ways.
in 1997 i was shy, unpolished, uneducated, and wholly scared of higher ed'. but Dr. Gleason would give me unexpected and unsolicited feedback on my character. it stimulated interpersonal confidence, supported my academic development, and taught me a lesson that's lasted a life-time (people do see you doing the right thing although YOU may not realize it; build, and nurture, a well-reasoned moral and ethical "compass" and stay on your compass).
i applied to transfer to USC and guess who was thrilled to write a Letter of Recommendation. 20+ years later the details are a little foggy but i remember that he did something unique with my letter to USC. something like, he mailed it in to USC himself, or carried it to the school; the one item in my application package (done by snail mail 'back in the day' ;) that took a different route was his Letter of Recommendation for my application to SC. i graduated from LBCC with a 4.0 , and was accepted to SC ;). i earned SC's highest scholarship. i had a 'full ride' to SC -- attending a school that was beyond my wildest dreams.
my success is Dr. Gleason's success.
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i eagerly joined Dr. Gleason in his push to get voters to approve ?city? bonds to expand LBCC. because of Dr. Gleason's character, i and others followed and supported him without hesitation.
it's been 25 years since i was his student and i think of him regularly. Dr. Gleason is someone i emulate. Dr. Gleason, thank you.

I served as Dr. Gelason's supervisor for 11 years during my tenure as Dean of the School of Business and Social Science. He was the consumate professional who took great pride in his work and his students.

Bernie was a valued colleague at LBCC as well as our credit union and as a teacher of business law to members of my family. Our friendship developed further as department chairs of our programs. Bernie was an active college wide leader. Bernie and Barbara also looked out for their friends. His amazing service and advancement in the Marine Corps validated his skills and ambitions. He was one of great generation!

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Bernie. He was a lovely man and my thoughts and prayers are with Barbara. Gretchen Weathermon

I am so sorry to hear that Bernie has died. During our years together at the Univ. of Nebr. and Theta Chi fraternity I always found him to be a very good friend and mentor. He was always honest, hard working, caring and committed to helping others. While more than 50 years have since passed I know that nothing has changed and that, over time, he has touched the lives of many people. He will be missed by all who knew him. Barbara, my sincere condolenses to you and your family.

Bernie you will be missed by all at LBCC. You left a lasting impression and I was so blessed to know you and Barbara. I miss you greatly and know that you are now looking down on us as our guardian angel.

Pat Hicks

I was sad to learn of the passing of a stalwart in the Business Department at Long Beach City College, Dr. Bernard Gleason. His contributions as a faculty member, along with his commitment to teaching and students, is a remarkable journey. Not only did Dr. Gleason profess the highest ideals of professionalism, he lived them each and everyday. I shared many discussions with Dr.l Gleason during my tenure as Dean of Business and Social Science at Long Beach City College, and can say without hesitation that Dr. Gleason came to work each and everyday as though it was his first day on the job. My sincere condolences to his family.

Bernie & Barbara--friends for 39 years. We'll always remember our visits and conversations late into the evenings until we grew too old to stay up that late! Then we just began our visits earlier in the day. We will miss you, Bernie, but we are content knowing you are at peace. We love you, Barbara.
Bob and Pat Wrenn

A gentle and caring man, Bernie has touched many lives (students, fellow educators, family and friends) during his time with us. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Dear Mrs. Gleason and family, Dr. Gleason was the Tilsmen sponsor when I pledged during my first year at Long Beach City College. He was the first teacher I ever got to know on a personal level and as such he had a great influence upon me and my conduct while at Long Beach City College. Little did I know when I took his business law class what an impact it would have upon me and my 22 years in the field of law. If I could describe his most important attribute it would be that he always gave us young boys high hopes and continually encouraged us in our endeavors. There was never a meeting or Tilsmen function in which he failed to show, assuming it was an approved school function, that he wasn't wearing his Tilsmen sweatshirt in support of us. He lead by example in all the things he did, he never gave us half an effort or expected it from us. He professed into us that can do attitude. How many times I can remember him reaching into his wallet and being the first to donate money for one of our planned projects or brotherhood nights. He expected more from us than we expected from ourselves at times and when it seemed our effort wasn't quite what it should be, he questioned our effort. He never questioned it an authoritative way but in way that a caring father would, I guess that was just the family man in him. But there was always compassion and encouragement in what he would say, and you soon found yourself giving it your all. I guess in the end what it really came down to was that we respected him so much that we didn't want to let him down. As a Tismen sponsor, as a Tilsmen brother, he had a great influence upon the lives of countless young men. He may have not been the Tilsmen sponsor for a great deal of time, but his influence, guidance, and advice will be felt and remembered by me and my Tilsmen brothers he helped nurture into men. He may have left us behind, but he will remain in our hearts as a Tilsmen brother forever. With deepest sympathies.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Gleason family. You will be remembered well with the people who knew you best. And as for us even though we knew you for only short while, it was enough to know what a good man you were.
Tony Laraine and Gianna Lucca

As a student and assistant to Dr. Gleason at Long Beach City College, I was blessed to have a mentor for life. Dr. Gleason gave me the confidence and guidance to go beyond all life's expectations. My love and thanks to you, Dr. Gleason. Your memory will live with me forever! Thoughts and prayers go out to Barbara and his children and grandchildren.

Barbara and family,
Please know that i have many fond memories of being neighbors with your wonderful family. You are in my thoughts at this sad time.

Both my wife Kristen and I were students at Washington Jr. High and took typing and student government with Mr. Gleason. We have fond memories of him and send our blessings and well wishes to the family.

My all time favorite teacher. Jordan '65. He always told me I was his favorite student. I also took his class at City, so did my two boys. He had the best stories to tell and made class interesting.
Dr. Gleason was simply the best.
I have never forgotten him.
Lynne-Long Beach

I'm so sorry to hear about Bernie. Condolences to the entire Gleason family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I miss you Bernie. I was proud to be your daughter-in-law. I am remembering you today on Father's Day with love. You will always be remembered with so much love and admiration. You lived a fantastic life and raised a great daughter who I call my sista and you raised a great son who I love very much. We will watch over Barbara who I am proud to call my other Mom!!

All of the Langsams' send our heartfelt condolences. Bernie will be remembered by us forever. Gordon Karen and Eric