Frances C Glessing

Our beloved Frances Clotilde Glessing, age 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Maimonides Medical Center.

Frances was born on July 20, 1934, in the borough of Manhattan and later made her home in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, New York. She was the second oldest of four children born to Rudolph and Ida Scalici (née Costa). Her oldest brother, Joseph Scalici, passed away before her, followed by her youngest brother, John Scalici. She is survived by her younger sister, Mary Gagliardi-Scalici, whom Frances adored and admired throughout her life.

Frances attended Franklin K. Lane High School. After graduating, she worked as a bookkeeper at American Express for several years before joining New York Telephone as a switchboard operator, where she spent many dedicated years.

In 1954, Frances moved to Sunset Park with her parents and siblings. That same year, she married her high school sweetheart and lifelong companion, Harold E. Glessing, affectionately known as "Buddy." They shared a devoted marriage until his passing on January 6, 2000. Together, they were blessed with five children. Frances is survived by four of her children and their spouses: Steven and Felicia, Carolyn and Glenn, Gary, and Patrick and Andrea. Her second son, Robert Glessing, passed away shortly after birth. In 1958, following this heartbreaking loss, Frances left her career with the telephone company to devote herself fully to caring for her children, husband, and parents.

After raising her family, Frances returned to work in 1982 at Liberty Mutual, where she remained for eight years until her office relocated to Suffolk County, Long Island. From 1990 until her retirement in 2005, she found great joy working as an assistant cook at a preschool in Sunset Park. Her love for this role was inspired by the deep affection she had for children, especially her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren born since 1981. Frances is also survived by many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly and spent meaningful time with.

Frances was immensely proud of her Italian heritage. She often shared stories of her Italian-born parents, their journey to Canada, and eventually their settlement in the United States. She spoke openly of her childhood and the hardships she faced growing up poor-experiences that shaped her strong work ethic and her lifelong commitment to helping family members in times of need. Through her kindness and generosity, she built a legacy of love and cherished memories.

After retiring, Frances became an active member of a Bay Ridge senior center. There, she formed new friendships and enjoyed many activities alongside her sisters-in-law, Joan and Eleanor. Her favorite pastimes included dancing, bingo, parties, and taking numerous day trips.

Frances also embraced technology. She loved using her iPhone to take photos and text them to family and friends, playing crossword puzzles on her tablet, browsing the internet, and keeping up with loved ones through their photos and messages.

During her final five months, Frances faced many complex health challenges stemming from the West Nile virus. She fought bravely, showing resilience and moments of hopeful recovery. As further complications arose, her strength began to wane. God saw her weariness, heard her longing for her mother's comfort, and gently took her home to be reunited with her loved ones who passed away before her.