
Obituary


Obituary of Gene W. Gleason
TROY -
Gene W. Gleason, 88, of Troy, NY passed away on January 14, 2025 at The Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center in Troy. Born in Willard, Ohio in 1936, he came to Troy when his mother, Mary Overocker Gleason, found employment at the collar factories. He was raised by his mother and step-father, Helder Hedges.
Gene will be missed by his two daughters Erin Jordan (Jon) of Waxhaw, NC and Pamela Bailey (Curt) of Troy; grandsons Justin Jordan (Meghan) and Jakob Jordan ( Zoe); nephews Michael Manupella (Peg) and George Gleason III (Lisa). He is predeceased by his siblings Mary Schultz, Margaret Manupella and George Gleason.
Gene loved growing up in the Burgh and hanging around with friends at the 112th Street Park shooting hoops and playing cards. “I swear I never cheated,” he'd say with a wink.
He graduated from Lansingburgh High School, Class of 1954, and immediately joined the U.S. Air Force. He served as an Airman 3rd Class in Korea and was honorably discharged in 1957. He then attended the University of San Diego, where he played freshman basketball, and Siena College. He was married to Aileen Gleason for 38 years prior to their separation. Gene worked for the D&H Railway as a real estate manager for 35 years. After retirement he worked on the 2000 U.S. Census and then became an usher once the Tri-City Valleycats came to town. His ushering stint didn't last long as he soon began working in the office as a bookkeeper and thoroughly enjoyed working with the young people there for 11 years.
He had a lifelong love of travel and visited China, Southeast Asia, Europe and South America, often without lodging reservations or an itinerary. It drove his daughters crazy, but he managed to come back alive and with interesting stories to tell. He loved riding around in his BMW Z4. Gene was a member of the Lansingburgh Veterans Club and the All Troy Athletic Club. He was involved in coaching his daughter's softball teams and was a past president of Brunswick Miss Softball. He and Aileen supported RPI hockey for many years that included some great Engineer teams of the mid-80s. He had an eclectic art and antique collection that included many interesting items from his travels. Gene enjoyed following politics and current events. He was a patriot who always felt he lived in the greatest country in the world.
The services are being arranged and will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are with Riverview Funeral Home, Troy, NY. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family of Gene Gleason online at: TheRiverviewFuneralHome.com

