Ret. Worcester Firefighter Raymond J. "Butch" Gleason

Retired Worcester Firefighter Raymond J. “Butchie” Gleason, 72, of Cherry Valley, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, April 26th, 2025.

He was born in Worcester, the son of retired Worcester Fire Lieutenant Raymond C. and Mary E (Gannon) Gleason. Raised in Worcester Ray, graduated from Worcester Boys Trade and added to his education over the years with fire knowledge courses. In September of 1983, Ray married Michelle “Mimi” Provencher. They settled in Cherry Valley and raised their four wonderful children. In 1986, Ray was appointed to the Worcester Fire Department following in his fathers footsteps. Over his career, Ray worked as a member of several fire companies, predominantly at the Webster Square fire station on Ladder 4. Later in his career he became a fire inspector and investigator where he worked up until retiring. In retirement he worked various jobs being an umpire for youth baseball and softball and working security at Polar Park. Ray volunteered his time at schools teaching fire safety, coaching for Leicester Girls Softball, Worcester Fire Dept. Ramp Gang and many other activities for his family and others.

Ray is survived by the “Love of his Life” for over 42 years, Michelle; four devoted children, Mathew Gleason and his wife Kelly of Auburn, Noelle and Emily Gleason of Cherry Valley, Michelle Davenport and her husband Cody of Spencer; two brothers, Michael F. Gleason and his wife Angela of Rutland, Kevin B. Gleason and his wife Tracy of Spencer; a sister, Mary E. Gozdur and her husband David of Holden; a brother in law, Peter Kunigonis and his wife Janet of Worcester who passed away in 2021. Janet was Ray's oldest sister. Ray also leaves behind his four cherished grandchildren, Jayden, Ethan, Lucy, and Elsie; his dogs and best friends, Betty, Lilly, and Susie. And many more family members whom he loved and cared for with all his heart. 

Raymond was a member of the local 1009, International brotherhood of Firefighters, The American Legion Cherry Valley Post 443 and the Alhambra Council Knights of Columbus. Ray had a huge heart, an iconic mustache over his smile and always willing to help anyone who needed it. He was dedicated to his family and the fire service. Ray very much enjoyed breakfast and coffee with retired firefighters, family vacations to Old Orchard beach, bowling, playing Santa for family and friends during Christmas and coaching sports teams when his children were young. Ray also enjoyed dancing with Mimi, and woodworking, always able to make different items out of wood for family and friends.

The Gleason family would like to thank the Doctors, Nurses and staff of the UMass-Memorial, N. Lake Ave, Hospital 7 ICU, for the care, comfort and compassion they gave to Ray during a difficult time and Peter Cusolito, one of his best friends, who cared and watched over the family in his final hours.

Friends and relatives are invited to gather for calling hours, Sunday, May 4th from 3 pm to 6 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral service will be held Monday, May 5th from the funeral home with a procession to St. Bernard's Church, 228 Lincoln St. Worcester MA, where his funeral mass will be held at 11 am. Burial will follow in St John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances can be made to the Worcester Fire Toys for Tots campaign, care of the Worcester Fire Credit Union, Glennie St Worcester.