Louis A. Gleason

Louis Andrew Gleason was born October 14, 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio at home to William “Jap” and Florence “Gaga” (Anderson) Gleason.  He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years Geralyn “Gerri” (nee Pickerd) Gleason, his children Karen Agee (Charles), Louis K. “Apache” (Jenny) Gleason, Lee Kay (Kevin), their mother his first wife, Elinor (nee Hart) Gleason, and two more daughters Dawn Marks, and Maria Menapace (Dave); and grandchildren: Kelly Reid, Jevon Saunders, Leella Gleason, Louis J. (Maria) Gleason, Kyle Gleason, Shatia Davidson, Andrew Marks, and Amanda Goodhines; and great grandchildren: Brandon, Mason, Kelis, Karl, Louis V., and Francisco, sister-in-law, Marjorie (Pat) Gleason and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by all his siblings: Satina, Delores “DeeDee” Whitaker, Emanuel “Manny” and William ”Stick,” Ellen Clifford.

He was a member of Epiphany Catholic Church for many years where his parents were founding members. Lou and Gerri have been members of St. Dominic Catholic Church since 1985 where they could be found in the same pew on Sundays at 9 am.

Louis retired from the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland in 1995 after 25 years. At that time he was the Director of the Office of African American Catholics and the Director of The Campaign for Human Development Office. Previously he worked as a salesman for Schenley Distillers, drove for CTS (RTA), worked with his father at Gleason’s Musical Bar and as owner of The Cosmopolitan Club, and served in the Army Air Corps.

Before and after retirement, he organized the annual Gleason family vacations to Wasaga Beach, Canada. All were welcome to join! In retirement, he enjoyed going to the gym and became known as the racquetball teacher. He also enjoyed playing bridge, and spending time with family and friends. Lou was a faithful Eucharistic minister at the Sunday 9 am mass. He volunteered with several agencies within Project Serve. He managed the Josephite calendar project each year and it was close to his heart.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations in Lou's honor may be made to the following; The Thea Bowman Center 11901 Oakfield Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44105.

The Archbishop Lyke School 18230 Harvard Avenue, Cleveland, OH or  to The Hospice of the Western Reserve  P.O Box 72101 Cleveland, OH 44192

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