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Joan Gleason Obituary
AGE: 86 • Bound Brook
Joan M. Gleason age of 86 of Bound Brook, NJ passed away after a short illness on April 21, 2017 surrounded by her family at home. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania she resided in Bound Brook since 1969. She was the daughter of the late Gabriel and Anna Mitterbach. She graduated with honors from Cuyahoga Falls High School in Ohio and attended Akron University. She was the Director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program for the Somerset County's Office on Aging. She was a great homemaker and well known for her homemade cookies.
She was an active member of the community and St Joseph parish where she volunteered at parish office and taught pre-school religious education and a eucharistic minister. She was a member of Alter Rosary Society and received the Regina Nostra Award from the diocese. Finally Lady Joan Gleason was invested into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and elevated to Commander with a Star. She was also a Dame of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Robert E. Gleason, her beloved son Robert P. Gleason, beloved grandson Sean R. Gleason and beloved daughter-in-law Barbara Gleason.
She is survived by her sons Michael of South Brunswick, Timothy (Shelly) of Baden, Pennsylvania, Martin of Bound Brook and her only daughter Kathleen Prayias (George) of Warren. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Derek, Bryon, Gabriel, Brandon, Theresa, Breanna and Grace. She is survived by her brothers Paul Mitterbach (Connie) of Cloverdale, California, Tom Mitterbach of Highlands, North Carolina and Dan Mitterbach of Lafayette, Indiana.
Visitation will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bound Brook on Monday, April 24th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Christian mass and burial will be conducted at St. Joseph Church at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 25th. Internment will be with her husband in the Bound Brook Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her honor to St. Joseph Church, P.O. Box 72, Bound Brook, New Jersey 08805 or to Bound Brook Wrestling, 114 East Union Avenue, Bound Brook, New Jersey 08805.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Gleason
Annette Murphy
April 17, 2025
Dear Joan?
We met in St. Peter´s square Rome April 2014 - it was a pleasure to have met you and spend some time with you for the canonisation of st John paul 2 ! You were so good to write to me and keep in touch. What a lovely lady !
I am sure you are enjoying your heavenly reward now.
God rest your dear soul and please pray for me too !
Annette Murphy - London Uk
Annette murphy
December 10, 2020
A wonderful lady Joan !
We met in Rome in 2014 for the canonisation of Pope john paul 2 !
She sent me some lovely photos of the experience there ..
I’ve only just come across them
Again and wanted to get in touch with her and see from my search that she has sadly passed away ..
Rip her lovely soul
It seems she lived her life to the full in service to others
I’m sure she is enjoying her eternal reward
Linda Mugavero
November 26, 2019
My name is Linda Mugavero. I was in St Joes signing my daughter up for Ccd...when i met Joan.....while there she met my 3 year old Victor Mugavero he was thirsty and asked her for a glass of water. She showed him the way and he thanked her like it was golden. She then sat back in her desk and said Victor would u like a piece of candy and my son said yes ...she opened her drawer and let him choose.. I think it was a tootsie pop...she then asked him if he would like to go to ccd also although too young he said yes... So as a mother who trusted this blessed woman i sent him...she showed him so much love and caring..at the time in our lives he was to be confirmed Mrs Gleason was his sponser due to extended circumstances with the church. I have spoken with this generous kind loving women over my lifetime about bearing children and her own experiences.. Calling her for goldfish dying n how to explain to my son were they go ...i miss her with all my heart and soul. During that time my son was around 4 for the church christmas concert at st joes church he had a 102 fever she called me n said you bring him here hes an angel . She put the god giving goodness and love in my son that noone could ever forget. We love and miss you so much Ms Gleason. My son and i had made a statue of you as a teacher left outside your door which u told me you recd outside your door on christmas eve she was an angel with her finger pointed up i remember you calling to thank my son and then you sent me a card with a pin with an angel on it. .then i found out u left us. I will never forget the love and compassion you have given to my family in our lifetime. You wer not just a woman you were a trooper. Everyone listened to you and respected you. You are missed so dearly l will love you forever.
.
Judith King
April 18, 2019
I miss Joan's delight in painting her icons and her laughter as we tried to make s'mores over the candles.
Bryon Gleason
July 18, 2017
Hi Gramcracker sorry I couldn't make the funeral But I still love u the most n miss u every day your
Diane and Stu Naar
April 29, 2017
Joan will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her life was a blessing, and one of kindness, compassion, sacrifice and service. There will never be anyone quite like her, a true angel on earth. Every moment with her was a moment of joy. We will love her always.
Bruce Pasek
April 28, 2017
Kathy,
So Sorry for your loss.
Zobeida Vides
April 28, 2017
MY NAME IS ZOBEIDA VIDES. I WORKED AT WALGREENS IN BOUND BROOK AT PHOTO LAP. JOAN GLEASON I MET HER THERE. SHE WAS A HAPPY WOMAN AND FUNNY AND VERY LOVABLE.SO SAD HER GOING.MY SYMPATHIES TO HER FAMILY
April 26, 2017
Rest In Peace Mrs. Gleason. You have touched the lives of so many with your beautiful smile and kind loving soul. Bound Brook will never be the same without you.
To your family, my deepest condolences on your loss. She will forever be your biggest fan and will continue to cheer you on from Paradise.
Marg Peterson
April 26, 2017
While I didn't have the privelege of knowing Joan long, I will always remember her keen wit and delicious sense of humor. She always managed to instill laughter at our decorative painting group, Brushing Violets. She will indeed be missed.Marg Peterson Fellow Painter
Edith-Jean Brizzi
April 25, 2017
Sometimes you meet a special person that you know God has sent. You can always be who God created you to be with them. A spiritual forever friend. Thank you Joan for being one of these very special friends. I love you and will miss your love, wisdom and joy. Until we meet again.
Maria Light
April 25, 2017
Mrs.Gleason,
Will be very missed by everyone . You just had to go to her viewing to see how much she was loved by everyone!
I remember years ago we had the tv on and on came a show with her on cable.
I don't remember the name but it was something with Joan Gleason. It may have been a cooking show?
Maybe someone will remember it?
God Bless her family!
Sr. Lucia S. Flores
April 25, 2017
Dear Joan, God grant you his peace and new life in Jesus. Was an honor for me to have met you and to share life with you for some time in the beautiful and warm parish community of St. Joseph. You always with a smile and a lot of faith. Thank you very much for your testimony. Gleason Family, welcome the peace of the Risen Jesus and my prayers for you.
Dancing in the rain!
cynthia massagli
April 25, 2017
So sorry to hear of the loss. Your mom had a special gift of entering a room and making everyone smile and feel good. She will be greatly missed by many. May her memories continue to bring a smile to you face and laughter to your heart!
Robert Caswell
April 25, 2017
An amazing lady. A privilege to know her and the family. Always went to visit her at the matches and talk with her. The NJ wrestling matriarch has gone home. All our love to you. From the Caswell's
Robyn and Dennis Gisonti and Christopher JESKIE
April 25, 2017
Mrs Gleason was always a light whenever you saw her, She had a beautiful smile and kind words of support, she was always there to talk to all of her wrestling boys, Christopher felt better after he talked to her. May all who were blessed knowing her she will always be in our hearts .... My prayers are with her family at their great loss....
April 25, 2017
Such a beautiful lady...my heartfelt condolences
Genevieve Robichaux
April 25, 2017
Mrs. Gleason will be truly missed. She was and will continue to be a beacon of light in the community. Rest easy with God.
April 24, 2017
To Joan's family I feel your loss. It is hard to let a loved one go.The times I spent with her at seminars were a hoot.She was kind clever and just full of life. She did not let too many thinks pass by her that she wasn't volunteering for the club. An awesome spirit of love and joy is how I will always remember her.
Dale Ford
April 24, 2017
To the whole Gleason clan.
Mrs. Gleason blessed me every time I saw her. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and gentleness just flowed from her to you. She opened her heart & home to us. Thanks for sharing her with us. We all are better for knowing her.
Patricia O'Reilly
April 24, 2017
Although I don't attend St Joseph Church, my children remember her because they attend the Vacation Bible School at the church. I would see her around town usually at Dunkin Donuts. Always smiling with a cheerful word. She just radiated a love rooted in her love for God.
Shelley Kays
April 24, 2017
I was so sorry to hear of Joan's passing! I met Joan 29 years ago and have enjoyed her company throughout most of that time at the Brushing Violets Decorative Painting Chapter meetings. We shared the same birthday! I always enjoyed her sense of humor - I remember taking a painting class with her where we painted a 5 1/2 foot tall wooden Santa. Afterwards she would tell us that her husband told her she wasn't allowed to paint and bring home anything that was taller than she was! When my daughter Alyssa was diagnosed with epilepsy, Joan was so kind to her. Alyssa took several children's painting classes with her and loved her. We even had Joan teach a birthday painting party for Alyssa. My whole family knew her and loved her. She was a great lady and woman of faith. She will be greatly missed!
Timothy smith
April 24, 2017
I remember alot of fun times at the Gleason home and i allways felt welcome. Nice family and she was a great lady.She will be missed by all !My thoughts are with the family.
Tymoni Mcgee
April 24, 2017
I loved joan gleason. She would come into the golden corner with her granddaughter grace. Choco. Chip pc with whip sprinkles and Ice cream with choc syrup. She was such a wonderful person. I will miss her. Prayers and condolences to the family.
Debbie Longo
April 24, 2017
I am deeply sorry to hear about Mrs. Gleason's passing. She will be greatly missed by all . I going to miss seeing her driving down Metape Circle . Your mom was deeply loved by many in this community. I'm sorry that I am unable to attend the services because I am out of town. Thing of you all at this time.
April 24, 2017
Dear Gleason family,
Although we never met, I wanted to send sincere heartfelt condolences to each of you. After reading the notes from her friends and family, I felt a kindred spirit in her, with all the things she participated in at church. Plus, knowing she was Cookie's mother, makes it more special. You see, Cookie got me special preferential seating at Rush's NYC television show many years ago because I was the editor of the Orange County, California Rush fans newsletter. After hearing his eulogy today, I cried for your loss, and heaven's gain. I'm sure Jesus opened His arms to her as she entered the gates of St. Peter! God bless you all; you're in our Columbiettes' prayers.
Yours in Christ and may God bless you during this sad time,
Caroline (Clark) Strasser
Frank Abano
April 24, 2017
Mrs. Gleason,
You will always be in our hearts, mind & spirit forever.
Love,
Abano Family
Eileen Curran
April 24, 2017
AHHHHH My Dear Friend, Joan! I was saddened to read of your passing. The sadness lasted a brief moment because I know you are In the Presence Of The Lord and reunited with your beloved spouse and son and grandchild. You left a huge treasure of yourself to all of us. Soooooo many fun and fine times at The Somerset Office on Aging. I bet Paradise has many, many bins of all sorts of great items for you to design Paradise. I take a full measure of your gentle and believing heart and place it in my heartspace until I see you again. I can see you wearing your beloved green pantyhose and dancing with the Lord of The Dance!
She was a beautiful person and will be missed dearly.
Lou, Nickie and Gus Gebel
April 24, 2017
Joan, painting her largest icon, the Baptism of Christ
Judith King
April 24, 2017
Oh my dear Joan, how much I will miss you, as will all the other Mt. Alvernia iconographers. At least we have some wonderful memories.
Michael Plumley
April 24, 2017
Joan, Strangers, to you, were friends you hadn't met. The kids at St. Joseph's, both young and old, will miss you. Rest in Peace.
Judy Plumley
April 24, 2017
Joan, It was a pleasure working with you on CCD classes at St. Joseph's. I'll be praying for you.
November 2016 Investiture
Peter Twill
April 24, 2017
Joan was a delightful person. I will miss her smile and words of wisdom. Thank you for your delicious cookies Joan!
Peter Twill, KHS
Janet Pomrinca
April 24, 2017
Hard to imagine attending a wrestling venue in which Bound Brook was participating and not seeing Mrs. Gleason in the stands cheering her boys on - and every other wrestler or wrestler's parent who ever had the extreme pleasure of knowing her. She was so genuine - always smiling, always hugging and always well loved. We are better for knowing her and can find peace in knowing her spirit will continue to surround us all. Sending prayers to the Gleason family.
Tyna Hinton
April 24, 2017
My deepest Condolence. To the Gleason Family. My dear friend welcomed. Me witha wonderful smile and open arms when i first came to the church 6yrs ago.Her Graceful way and warmth of Heart purity of Spirit.And Our Shared Faith and Love For The Saints. As She will Always Be in my heart.
Karlene Maresco
April 24, 2017
Joan will always be remembered especially each time the Icon Painters come to Mt. Alvernia,,,No more S'mores, no more gentle hugs and great smiles. Her heart and humor were a treasure
Jackson Diana
April 23, 2017
Jackson Diana
April 23, 2017
Jackson Diana
April 23, 2017
Jackson Diana
April 23, 2017
Jackson Diana
April 23, 2017
John JD Schweska
April 23, 2017
John JD Schweska
April 23, 2017
John JD Schweska
April 23, 2017
John JD Schweska
April 23, 2017
April 23, 2017
To all the Gleason family,
Mother Joan will be greatly missed. She was a great friend and counselor. She gave the best advice to me , and she was a great listener. She inspired me to continue my education, and she was a model to me to be charitable to others. I will miss her humor and especially her great laugh. Connie and I have many great memories of Joan, Bob and the "kids". Our love and thoughts are with you all at this time. Joan was the best! In wrestling terms, Joan won in life by points or by fall.
Love to all the family,
Frank and Connie Cornacchione
April 23, 2017
Joan was a true angel on earth. She committed herself to God and his people. Never have I met such a sweet, sincere, and kind person who has touched so many hearts. She knew everyone, and everyone knows her. Even though she is no longer with us, she will never be forgotten.
April 23, 2017
If you're reading this, you knew Joan. If you knew her, you loved her. There was no alternative. She was the most kind, loving, fun, unassuming, caring, Christian person I've ever met. When she walked into a room, she lit it up. When she spoke to you, you became the most important person in her universe. She made everyone feel that way. When she could, she'd sneak away from her volunteer duties in the parish office to join us at a B.B. Women's Literary Club meeting. She made us all feel important. She gave her time, home and talents to share with us her creative gifts showing us clutz how to decorate a wreath or paint an icon, etc. I was proud to be a part of the Wednesday Night Ladies at St. Joe's. I am prouder to be able to call her my friend. She's gone home to Christ. The world is poorer for it. However, we are blessed to know that she'll still be there for us. All we have to do is ask. Eternal rest for you, Joan, you've surely earned it and have given us example.
God Bless!
Kathy Lynch - St. Joseph Church - our parish!
April 23, 2017
Joan Gleason was one of a kind. She always had a kind word and a smile for everyone she came in contact with. We will miss her smile.
With sincere condolences,
The Reynolds family
So. Bound Brook
Pamela Kingsland
April 23, 2017
We are so sorry to hear of Mrs Gleason's passing..she was so loved.
Our prayers are with you all now at this difficult time. She was truly one in a million.
Love,
Pam and Kim Kingsland
Carol Kellu
April 23, 2017
She always had a welcoming smile on her face for every one-and every person was special to her and she was special to every person -we remember the most at all the wrestling matches we shared she cheered everyone on and her son Pat who we also love-God bless her and the whole family and the whole community of people who knew her.
The Kelly family,Carol,George Pat,Susan,Amy and Jeb
Mary Mackenzie
April 23, 2017
My heart-felt thoughts go out to the family and community. The community has lost one phenomenal woman. She will be fondly remembered.
Jeff Yusiewicz
April 23, 2017
Such a wonderful person. Our condolences.
Kenny Zatz
April 23, 2017
I couldn't have wished for a nicer neighbor growing up than Joan Gleason. She always welcomed me into her home as one of her own. My condolences to the Gleason family.
Frank Cornacchione
April 23, 2017
To all of the Gleason family. Time has passed but the love for Mother Joan will never end. She was my friend in need, and truly a friend indeed! her laugh brightened my day. She gave great advice with our serious discussions, and provided spiritual enlightenment. Her sense of humor and pragmatic look at life inspired many. She will be sorely missed, but I know she is with Bob and Pat now in heaven. To end this in wrestling terms, Joan was a winner by pin and by points! Connie and I send our love and condolences to all the family.
April 23, 2017
Dear Gleason family, so sorry to hear about your Mother, she was a wonderful person. Roll Family
Dominic DeScala
April 23, 2017
My prayers and thoughts to the Gleason Family. She will be deeply missed
Joan, our Angel on Earth,writing her yearly Icon. We shall miss you. ll
Alice LaBier
April 23, 2017
Don Somma
April 23, 2017
Dear Gleason Family, God Bless , May Mrs. Gleason Memory live on through the many people She touched her Love. Don Somma
Peg Neumann
April 23, 2017
Joan was a super wonderful person, always thinking about others. Sometimes I would meet her in Shoprite at night because she had to get ingredients to make her cookies for someone. She would talk about her granddaughter Gracie. She loved her from the Moon and Back. Gracie kept her young at heart. Our group The Church Ladies would have a lot of laughs with her We were a bowling group and then we became the church ladies .We all loved her dearly and will miss her, but knowing Joan she will be watching over us and laughing with us. R.I.P
April 23, 2017
Joan and I have been friends for over 40 years. ...we were in our Prayer Group for many years and also were Band Parents. Joan was the ROCK of St Joseph Church...she was active in many of the programs we had....CCD Teacher...CIAM....Parish Retreat...Mary Martha's...Parish Office Volunteer..etc. Joan always had a big smile on her face, she was kind and gentle and radiated LOVE to everyone she met. She was a Eucharistic Minister and brought Communion to the Homebound and to the Nursing Homes which she brought Communion to my mother every week...my mother passed away three moths ago and for this I am grateful and I am sure she is visiting her now in Heaven...J feel BLESSED to have had JOAN my Life SHE blessed my life in many ways....she was an example to everyone on how Jesus wants us to treat and care for others....RIP my DEAR FRIEND.... JOB WELL DONE
Ralph Basile
April 23, 2017
A special lady, she will be missed.
Neubauer Family
April 22, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gleason family during this time of sorrow. Mrs. Gleason was such a wonderful presence at St. Joseph and a beloved teacher in the CCD program. Her warm smile and big hugs will never be forgotten.
patricia rick
April 22, 2017
Joan touched so m any people and her million dollar smile will be missed by all. She was one of god's angels sent to walk among us, to touch our hearts as well as our lives.
Kyle Franey
April 22, 2017
Deepest sympathy to the Gleason family. Anybody who was blessed enough to be able to spend any time with Mrs. Gleason will cherish those memories for a lifetime. Forever a void there will be in Bound Brook and Bound Brook wrestling. Rest in peace Mrs. G.
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