John A. Glessner

Obituary for John Alton Glessner

January 2, 1951- February 28, 2026

John passed away after a brief illness on February 28, 2026 at Sycamore Run Care Facility in Millersburg, Ohio. John was born January 2, 1951, to Alton "Tink" and Ruth Glessner of Beach City Ohio, and is survived by wife Carol (Marzulli) Glessner and son, Jonathan (Jonny) Glessner of Berlin.

John was a 1969 graduate of Fairless High School and participated in the band, track, and Falcon Forum. He attended two years at Kent State University but accepted a job at the Norfolk and Western Railroad alongside his father as a brakeman and conductor. His family bred and owned Standardbred horses and John eventually retired from the railroad and began his own racing stable career which lasted until his retirement in 2010. John was a breeder, owner, trainer, driver, blacksmith and raced primarily at Northfield Park and the Ohio county fair circuit. He is best known for his Brewster named line of horses and enjoyed training trotting horses the most.

John loved music and played piano at the Beach City United Methodist. Everyone loved and looked forward to his choice of music each Sunday. He passed his love of music onto his son, Jonny who performs at the Amish Country Theater in Berlin and New Pointe Church in

Millersburg. John's greatest joy and accomplishment was raising his son and singing and playing music with him.

John was happiest on his family farm and loved taking care of his horses, cats, spending time in the woods, walking the beaches at the Outer Banks with Carol and Jonny, and playing cards with his friends. He continued to enjoy attending horse races and watching Rosy Weaver who purchased the family farm, continue his legacy as a horseman.

He was a dedicated husband, father, and friend who was strong in his faith and church. His warmth, smile, and honest nature carried over into everything he did. He was an exceptional person and will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

There will be a celebration of John's life at Spidell Funeral Home in Brewster on April 25, 2026 with calling hours from 10-12, followed by a Celebration of Life Service.