Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1938
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Glackin Obituary
Naples - Fr. Thomas J. Glackin, 81, of Naples, FL passed away Thursday, March 5, 2020 at North Collier Hospital. He was born October 29, 1938 in Bronx, NY a son of the late John and Bridget Agnes (Nelson) Glackin.
Fr. Glackin graduated from Manhattan Prep in New York City and entered Don Bosco Seminary in Newton, NJ. Ordained in Rome on December 1, 1968, he taught Math, Geometry, Physics, English and General Science at Archbishop Shaw High School in New Orleans, LA. He then taught at Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, NJ before serving as Principal.
Various assignments saw Fr. Glackin serve in Parishes in Tampa, FL, Pine Island, FL and finally Naples, where he undertook the building of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in 1988, saying Mass in the early days at Naples Park Elementary School. The building was completed and the first Mass was celebrated in the new sanctuary on Christmas Eve 1992. The church was dedicated on March 14, 1993.
In 2001, a group was formed under the direction of Fr. Glackin to begin design on what would be the future St. Agnes mission. He arranged numerous trips statewide to visit parishes that had a vision similar to what he had in mind. Groundbreaking of St. Agnes took place in August of 2002 and after countless delays, the first Mass was held on August 15, 2006 and the church was dedicated on November 19, 2006.
During retirement, Fr. Glackin continued to serve at St. John the Evangelist, St. Agnes Catholic Church and St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Fort Myers. He was an avid golfer who also enjoyed traveling and playing tennis is his younger years.
Survivors include his loving brother, John "Jack" (Kathleen) Glackin of Naples, FL, and nephews, James (Kimberly) Glackin of Overland Park, KS, Daniel (Tracy) Glackin of Danville, KY and Douglas Glackin of Denver, CO. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Edward Glackin.
Father Glackin will lie in state at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples, FL 34108 on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM. A prayer service will begin at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:30 AM. A reception will follow in the Parish Life Center. He will be buried in the church memorial garden.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Fr. Glackin's name may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Assistance Center, 4451 Mercantile Ave., Naples, FL 34104. Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Glackin
Sponsored by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.
Michael & Gloria Costanzo
March 1, 2023
Fr. Glackin was a priest like no other-sincere-caring-a
wonderful friend. truly missed! Gloria & Mike Costanzo
Rev Les Wicker
February 27, 2021
Father Tom was my best friend in ministry. Although he came out of Roman Catholic perspective and I a Protestant, our love for each other and love for ministry transcended all barriers. I will always remember Father Glackin and what he meant in my life and my church.
Father Glackin at First Congregational Church of Naples
Rev. Les Wicker
March 11, 2020
Father Glackin was my best friend in ministry. As a progressive priest he was able to cross the line in understanding we are all one in Christ, whether Catholic or Protestant. No one exemplified the message of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians (3:28) better than Father Glackin, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." He was in every way a "people builder," bolstering people's self-worth and position in life. He touched more lives than most can remember and was a man of great accomplishments, yet in all his accomplishments, he was one of the most humble individuals anyone could imagine. In the words of poet, Lois Cheney, "Some people come into our lives and leave and you hardly ever know they were there; others come and go and when they leave, they leave a gaping hole." Father Glackin's passing will leave a gaping hole for me and for the many lives he touched.
Dave and Mary Beatty
March 11, 2020
FR. Glackin has been the heart and soul of St Johns the Evangelist Catholic Church. Many happy memories of him were made there. I know our Heavenly Father opened His arms saying Welcome home my faithful servant.
ALEX & WILMA DEBARTOLO
March 10, 2020
FATHER GLACKIN IS OUR ALL TIME FAVORITE PRIEST
AND DEAR FRIEND. WE HAVE ENJOYED HIS
COMPANY AND COUNSEL FOR THE PAST 30 YEARS.
HE IS NOW WITH OUR LORD AND HIS ETERNAL
REWARD. WILMA & ALEX DEBARTOLO
ALEX-WILMA DEBARTOLO
March 10, 2020
FATHER GLACKINS HAS BEEN A WONDERFULL
FRIEND AND OUR ALL TIME FAVORITE PRIEST.
WE HAVE BEEN WITH HIM AND INJOYED HIS
CONSEL FOR 30 YEARS. HE IS NOW IN HEAVEN
WITH OUR LORD.
Anne Arbelaez
March 10, 2020
May Fr. Glackin's memory be eternal
Barbara Foulsham
March 10, 2020
A kind soul, a warm heart, a loving friend, a spiritual guide, a generous benefactor, a dedicated priest, a true defender of his faith, and an Irish spirit filled with fun and laughter.
All of these were the essence of Fr. Tom Glackin and are what made him SO endeared to all of us who had the good fortune to know him. We shall miss him dearly, but Our Lord wanted His good and faithful servant Home at last, so we say Rest In Peace, Fr. Tom.
You'll be in our thoughts and prayers, always.
Barbara Foulsham
March 8, 2020
FR. TOM; A DEAR FRIEND.
I WILL TREASURE FOREVER THE MANY HOURS THE TWO OF US SPENT PLAYING GOLF TOGETHER OVER MANY YEARS.....WE HAVE LOST A GREAT TEACHER..A HOLY MAN
ED BERNARDI
edward george
March 7, 2020
Thank you. Fr. Glackin for being such a good friend for so many years--your kindness to myself my wife and my seven kids will never be forgotten.You were so proud of st.john and st agnes later--what a great tribute to you the great memories of playing golf, dinners with you at your home, your trips to akron--your great examples brought all of us closer to the lord--may you rest in peace--a great life well lived
Father Glackin got to meet baby Will on Christmas Day 2019. He was a wonderful pastor growing up and even got to marry my husband and I in 2018. He will be missed by the Pena and now Kapatos family!
Monica Pena
March 7, 2020
My family has known Father Glackin for about 30 years, since I was little. He baptized my brother and sister, celebrated all of our first communions and now as an adult he married my husband and I in 2018. It was a blessing he got to meet our son on Christmas Day after the mass he celebrated! Father Glackin spoke of Living with Joy in our hearts that day. Anyways it's great to know we will have another soul in heaven to intercede for us.
Dave and
March 7, 2020
Fr Glackin the angels are singing and God is welcoming you home, His faithful servant. How happy you must be to see Jesus face to face and our Loving Fathers open arms! Blessings, the Beatty Family.
Robert Dyke
March 6, 2020
A kind heart and a spirited mind. He touched more lives that can be measured.
You will be missed. Hit'em straight Tom.
Mary & Jeff Gardner
March 6, 2020
May our LORD welcome dear Father Glackin into His loving arms.
Nora and Rick Boylan
March 5, 2020
Father Tom, our friendly close priest, personal friend who was always so easy to speak with. We go way back to when St. John's did not even have a name yet & we set up mass every Sunday in the cafeteria at Naples Park Elementary. Your dedication to individuals & families was outstanding. We had the great joy in seeing you at Publix just 2 wks. ago & I received a hug that will last my life time. The Holy Spirit brought us together to share that special moment. Thank you for that. We will miss your sincere smile & your giddy laugh. Now rest in the arms of our creator God who says: "well done good and faithful servant enter into the kingdom". Until we meet again. your friends, Nora & Rick Boylan; Brian & Kim too.
March 5, 2020
Father Tom, you will be greatly missed! Your dedication, support & personal care for individuals & families was ALWAYS there. Your gentle smile & giddy laughter I will remember 4ever. You always made us feel welcomed & were so easy to talk to. We were blessed to see you just 2 wks. ago in Publix. I got a hug & felt the Holy Spirit gave us this time to see you again as it was a long time before that. Rest in Peace now in the arms of our creator God the Father, who has brought you home. *well done good and faithful servant enter into the kingdom*. your friends, Nora & Rick Boylan
Rich McCarthy
March 5, 2020
Pastor and Principal, you will be missed dearly!
Rich McCarthy
March 5, 2020
Fr. Tom Glackin was my high school principal when I was 17 yo and he was a Salesian in Ramsey NJ. My heart stuck in my throat when I saw him in Naples. He had the Midas touch even back then (1970-1980) and built a championship football stadium at Don Bosco Prep. He kept every yearbook from his tenure and loved to reminisce with me. Today, The Prep is the #1 high school in New Jersey because of his vision. You will be sorely missed Father Tom!
Debi Clementi
March 5, 2020
Such a wonderful Priest, Person and Friend.
Lou and Debi Clementi
Joe and Ann Zaks
March 5, 2020
Father Tom,
We met one day at Naples Park Elementary. Over one quarter of a century later we must say goodbye. So many lives have been changed for the better for having known you. You taught me to love and be good. Those are the keys to the pearly gates. I will miss you my friend.
March 5, 2020
Father Glacken was a great priest. He will be greatly missed by everyone. He has done so much for the Catholic Church and community. We will miss you. Gerrie Shearer and family
Carmela Mondella
March 5, 2020
May you rest in Eternal peace..
Michael & Gloria Costanzo
March 5, 2020
Over the past 25 years we have had the honor of having Fr Thomas Glackin as our Pastor and very dear Friend. Father Tom was dedicated to his God and his parishioners. His flock loved him so that they contributed freely to his parish without him asking. He was able to build two churches St John the Evangilist his fathers name and St Agnes his mothers name. there will never a replacement for Fr Thomas Glackin he had a heart of gold and if ever a person needed him just ask and he would be there. you will be truly missed! "We Love You Until We meet Again"
March 5, 2020
the past 25 years we were honored to enjoy a wonderful priest and dear friend. there will never be a replacement for fr. Tom Glackin he was a modern priest with heart of gold. He loved his God and graced Him with two churches in naples Fla. St John the Evangilist named after his father and St Agnes named after is mother. His parishoners loved him and contirbuted to his parish without him ever asking . Our Dearest Father Tom Glackin Rest in Peace." We love you! Until We Meet Again" Gloria & Michael Costanzo
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Glackin's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Glackin
Mar
10
Funeral services provided by:
Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home28300 Tamiami Trail So., Bonita Springs, FL 34134
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Glackin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
