Ronald E. Gleason

1947 - 2021

Former resident of Lowell, Army Vet

Ronald E. (Butch) Gleason, 73, resident of Dalzell, SC, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 1, 2021 at Richland Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina.

He was the husband of Pat Morrison.

Born in Lowell, MA on October 11, 1947, he was a son of the late Patrick and Dorothy (Estright) Gleason. Butch attended Lowell Schools before joining the Army, serving in Vietnam from 1967-1968 with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade of the Americal Division.

A proud Veteran who was honored to serve his country, Butch was awarded numerous medals for his valiant service, including the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, two Purple Hearts, and two Bronze Star Medals, Valor and Good Conduct Medal.

He was a founding member of the Merrimack Valley Vietnam Veteran's Inc. of Lowell. For many years, he worked for the City of Lowell's D.P.W. and for Community Teamwork of Lowell.

He most enjoyed spending time with his family. At gatherings and annual cookouts, "Yuk-Yuk" sandwiches and making memories with loved ones always put a smile on his face. Throughout his adventurous life he enjoyed fishing, camping, sitting by the fire pit, and many road trips.

Butch had the biggest heart and would always go the extra mile to help anybody in need.

He is survived by his beloved daughters, Shelly Furtado and her significant other, John Peters Jr. of Dracut, and Laura Gleason and her significant other, William Zanoli of Lowell; his brother, Kenneth Gleason of Lowell; his sisters, Deborah Wright and husband David of Lowell, Kathleen Calden of Manchester, NH, Louise (Cindy) Rocheleau and her significant other, Bob Trainor of Lowell, Cheryl Bouchard and husband Ray of Londonderry, NH; his brother-in-law, Ernest Dickieson of Pepperell. He also leaves behind his grandchildren; Paul Furtado, Jr., Ryan Furtado and his significant other, Lori Martin, Emma Furtado, Ella Peters and Billy, April and Brady Zanoli; also many nieces and nephews.

Butch was predeceased by his brother, John (Jack) Gleason, his sister, Patricia Dickieson, and his brother-in-law, Ronnie Rocheleau.

He also leaves behind Linda, a long-time friend.

Butch considered himself the luckiest old man and would say, "Nowhere in this world is there a grandfather that is as proud of his grandchildren as I am."

FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY CALL AT THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL, ON SATURDAY MORNING, MARCH 13, 2021 FROM 10 AM UNTIL 1 PM. HIS FUNERAL SERVICE WILL FOLLOW AT 1 PM, WITH FULL UNITED STATES MILITARY HONORS.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS DONATIONS CAN BE MADE IN HIS MEMORY TO VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA AT www.VVA.org/donate.

ARRANGEMENTS BY THE

FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS

978-459-9222 www.faymccabe.com



View the online memorial for Ronald E. Gleason